Bill > S381

This bill aims to improve home care services in Massachusetts. It does so by: 1. Requiring the Department of Public Health to establish licensing and regulatory standards for home care aide agencies operating in the state, including requiring them to have a quality assurance program and comply with cost reporting and minimum employee compensation standards. 2. Directing the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to increase funding for key home care programs, including a $1 million increase for the Elder Home Care Case Management & Administration program, a $6 million increase for the Elder Home Care Purchased Services program to raise wages and compensation, and a $3 million increase for the MassHealth Senior Care program to raise rates for home health aide services. 3. Mandating the Department of Elder Affairs to issue new regulations and procedures to ensure compliance reporting and auditing of home care agencies receiving the rate increase funds, including requiring they meet "responsible employer" standards such as paying workers at least 25 cents above the minimum wage. 4. Authorizing the Attorney General to investigate any home care aide agency contracting with Aging Service Access Points to provide homemaker and personal care services, with the power to require document production, interrogatories, and testimony.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/S381