Bill > S380

This bill aims to improve Massachusetts home care by establishing a new licensing and regulatory framework for home care agencies. It requires the Secretary of Health and Human Services to promulgate rules and regulations for licensing and overseeing home care agencies, including background checks for home care workers, minimum standards for consumer service plans, and training requirements. The bill also creates a Home Care Worker and Consumer Abuse Stakeholder Advisory Committee to develop minimum standards for addressing abuse and bullying of home care workers and consumers. Additionally, it establishes a Home Care Oversight Advisory Council to advise the Secretary on implementing the new home care agency licensure process. The bill also expands the definition of "employer" under Massachusetts anti-discrimination law to include individual consumers of personal care attendants.