Bill > H4706

This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for home care agencies in Massachusetts, requiring them to obtain a license from the executive office of health and human services after meeting specific standards. The legislation creates new definitions for home care services, home care workers, and home care agencies, and mandates extensive background checks, training requirements, and quality standards for agencies. The bill establishes two key advisory bodies: a home care worker and consumer abuse stakeholder advisory committee and a home care oversight advisory council, which will help develop and monitor standards for the industry. The legislation also introduces protections against discrimination for personal care attendants by making it unlawful for individual consumers to engage in certain discriminatory conduct. Key provisions include requiring agencies to develop consumer-specific service plans, maintain proper insurance, follow labor laws, provide ongoing worker training, implement emergency preparedness plans, and establish processes for reporting and addressing complaints. The bill sets a timeline for implementation, with temporary licenses to be issued within 180 days and full regulatory framework to be established within one year, with the goal of improving safety, quality, and accountability in home care services across Massachusetts.

Budget and Finance

House Committee on Ways and Means (House)

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4706