Bill > H7361

This bill establishes a new chapter in the General Laws concerning Personal Care Assistant Services, requiring individuals who provide these services to obtain a certificate of registration from the Department of Health. To be registered, applicants must undergo a national criminal records check, which involves fingerprinting and submission to the FBI, and successfully complete required training. The bill defines "personal care assistant services" as assistance with daily living activities, homemaking, and companionship, intended to help consumers remain safely in their homes, and clarifies that this does not include services provided by licensed healthcare facilities. It also outlines consumer rights, a complaint process, and procedures for denial, suspension, or revocation of a registration certificate, with penalties for violations including fines and imprisonment. The bill also amends existing laws related to criminal records checks to align with these new requirements and sets an effective date of January 1, 2017.