Bill > LD1442

This bill requires the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to modify its personal care agency licensing rules within 60 days of the bill's effective date. The modifications include several key changes: removing the requirement for personal care agencies to have a physical site in the state, expanding training qualifications for direct care staff (such as adding department-provided direct support worker training and allowing enrollment in training programs within 60 days of hire), adjusting supervision requirements to mandate on-site supervision at least once in the first 30 days and every 90 days in the first year of employment, and requiring supervisors to observe employees' abilities in a culturally appropriate and trauma-informed manner. The bill also changes reporting requirements to only mandate reports of reasonable allegations of client property misappropriation and modifies client service plan update procedures, removing the need for client signatures and instead requiring notification within 3 business days of any significant changes to the service plan. These changes aim to provide more flexibility for personal care agencies while maintaining quality standards for care.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1442&snum=132