House Bill 707 Summary

• Revises the definition of "disability" in Idaho Code Section 16-1602 to clarify that sexual preference or orientation is not considered an impairment or disability, and makes technical corrections to definitions.

• Amends Section 16-1609 to authorize the Department of Health and Welfare to authorize medical or mental health evaluation of children taken into shelter care, and to authorize treatment if a certified or licensed professional recommends it and parental consent cannot be obtained.

• Requires the department to notify parents within 48 hours after authorizing a medical or mental health evaluation and/or treatment, and to document efforts to contact parents if they cannot be reached.

• Amends Section 16-1629 to establish that the department has the right to authorize ordinary medical, dental, psychiatric, psychological, or other remedial care and treatment for children in temporary or legal custody, including surgery deemed necessary by two physicians.

• Adds technical corrections and renumbering of subsections throughout Section 16-1629 regarding the department's powers and duties related to child custody, placement, and administrative procedures.