Bill > HB0712

This bill aims to expand employment opportunities for family caregivers in Tennessee by directing both the department of disability and aging and TennCare (the state's Medicaid program) to develop guidelines that prevent discrimination against qualified family members who want to provide care services. The bill specifically prohibits service providers from rejecting family caregiver employment based on factors like family relationship, residence, age of the care recipient, parental or spousal status, guardianship, or the specific Medicaid waiver program involved. The guidelines must be published annually and distributed to Medicaid-participating service provider agencies. The bill covers several waiver programs, including Employment and Community First Choices, Choices, the Katie Beckett program, and others, ensuring that family members can be hired to provide long-term services and home and community-based services. Importantly, the bill stipulates that family caregivers cannot be compensated beyond the designated services in the care recipient's person-centered care plan. The legislation will take effect immediately for rule-making purposes and fully implement on July 1, 2025, with the goal of providing more flexible and family-oriented care options for individuals with disabilities.

Business and Industry, Government Affairs, Health and Social Services

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=HB0712&ga=114