Bill > AB322

This bill, the Home Care Services Act of 2013, establishes a licensing and regulatory framework for home care organizations in California, which are businesses that arrange for individuals, known as home care aides or caregivers, to provide non-medical assistance to clients in their homes. The Act, administered by the State Department of Social Services, aims to protect vulnerable seniors and individuals with disabilities by ensuring that home care aides are properly screened and that organizations meet certain operational standards. Key provisions include requiring home care organizations to obtain a license starting January 1, 2016, which involves background checks for owners and compliance with insurance and workers' compensation requirements. The bill also mandates that home care organizations classify their aides as employees, conduct investigations of complaints against them, perform annual performance evaluations, and ensure aides carry identification. Furthermore, it outlines specific rights for clients, such as the right to property respect and confidentiality, and sets training and competency requirements for home care aides, including language proficiency and basic skills demonstration. The Act also introduces penalties for violations, including daily fines and potential license suspension or revocation, and establishes a Home Care Organization Fund to cover administrative costs through collected fees.