Bill > S404

This bill aims to strengthen emergency preparedness for home care workers in Massachusetts. It includes several key provisions: 1. The Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS), in consultation with the Department of Elder Affairs and the Office of Medicaid, will develop metrics, standards, and procedures to trigger emergency long-term care provider rates of payment that include hazard pay wage add-ons for employees of home health agencies and home care agencies during COVID-19 resurgences, statewide public health emergencies, severe weather, or other statewide emergencies. EOHHS will also establish processes for provider reporting and state audits of the use of these emergency rate increases. 2. EOHHS, in consultation with relevant state agencies and stakeholders, will develop and implement a mandatory infection control and public health training program that all new and incumbent direct care employees of home health and home care agencies must complete as a condition of employment. 3. EOHHS will establish an online personal protective equipment (PPE) exchange to identify, aggregate, and make available PPE for purchase by long-term care workers, including personal care attendants and employees of nursing facilities, assisted living residences, home health agencies, and home care agencies. 4. EOHHS will develop new standards and practices to use the Massachusetts Home Care Worker Registry to ensure robust communication with the home care agency workforce during public health or other emergencies, including information about hazard pay, trainings, and PPE access. 5. The PPE exchange must be implemented within 90 days of the bill's effective date.

Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S404