Sec. 7. (a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), the department shall exempt from licensure a child caring institution and a group home operated by a church or religious ministry that is a religious organization exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (as defined in IC 6-3-1-11) and that does not:

(1) accept for care:

(A) a child who is a delinquent child under IC 31-37-1-1 or IC 31-37-2-1; or

(B) a child who is a child in need of services under IC 31-34-1-1 through IC 31-34-1-9; or

(2) operate a residential facility that provides child care on a twenty-four (24) hour basis for profit.

     (b) The department shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to govern the inspection of a child caring institution and a group home operated by a church or religious ministry with regard to sanitation.

     (c) The fire prevention and building safety commission shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to govern the inspection of a child caring institution and a group home operated by a church or religious ministry under this section. The rules must provide standards for fire alarms and fire drills.

     (d) A child caring institution and a group home operated by a church or religious ministry under this section shall comply with the rules established by the department and the fire prevention and building safety commission under this section.

As added by P.L.145-2006, SEC.273.