Bill > HB96

This bill establishes the Home Care Employment Standards Advisory Board, a new state-level board designed to improve working conditions and compensation for home care workers in Alaska. The board will consist of 11 members, including representatives from state agencies, home care providers, direct care workers, service recipients, and advocacy organizations for seniors and people with disabilities. The board's key responsibilities include investigating wages, working conditions, workforce recruitment and retention, and service levels for home care workers providing Medicaid-covered services like personal care, respite, chore, and habilitation services. Starting in July 2026, the bill requires home care agencies to spend at least 70% of their annual Medicaid funding for personal care services on employee compensation and benefits, increasing to 80% by July 2030, with potential hardship exemptions for smaller providers. The board will produce biennial reports with findings and recommendations, which the Department of Health must consider when setting service rates. The board is required to meet at least three times per year, provide opportunities for public testimony, and publish an annual report detailing average worker wages. The bill aims to address workforce challenges in home care services, improve worker compensation, and ensure quality care for service recipients, with the first board meeting scheduled to occur no later than October 1, 2026.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=HB96