Bill > S0976

This bill exempts certain home health agencies from specific licensure application requirements, specifically those that are not certified by Medicare or Medicaid and do not provide skilled care, from needing to provide documentation of accreditation. It also requires licensed nurse registries, which are agencies that refer healthcare professionals to clients, to ensure that certified nursing assistants and home health aides they refer have presented credentials proving they are adequately trained for home settings. Furthermore, the bill clarifies that individuals referred by a nurse registry are considered independent contractors, not employees, and that the nurse registry is not obligated to monitor, supervise, manage, or train these caregivers, though they must advise patients to terminate contracts and cease referrals if a violation or credential deficiency comes to their attention, and notify licensing boards of practice violations. Finally, nurse registries must keep required records according to rules set by the Agency for Health Care Administration but are not obligated to review or act on these records unless specified in the bill.