Bill > S3183

This bill establishes a licensing system for home care agencies, which are defined as businesses providing in-home supportive services for compensation, and requires these agencies to obtain a license from the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to operate. The licensing process will involve background checks for home care workers, minimum standards for service plans and contracts with consumers, insurance requirements, and ongoing training for staff, including topics like consumer rights, emergency handling, and recognizing abuse. The bill also creates a Home Care Worker and Consumer Abuse Stakeholder Advisory Committee to develop standards for addressing abusive treatment in home care settings and a Home Care Oversight Advisory Council to advise EOHHS on licensing and oversight. Furthermore, it makes it unlawful discrimination for a consumer of personal care attendant services to engage in certain abusive behaviors, and it establishes a special commission to study the creation of a statewide long-term services and supports benefit program. EOHHS is tasked with promulgating regulations for both temporary and permanent home care agency licenses within specific timeframes.