Bill > H1179

This bill clarifies the responsibilities of nurse registries, which are entities that refer independent contractors for home health care services. It requires certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and home health aides referred for contracts to provide proof of their credentials and training to the nurse registry. The bill also mandates that nurse registries inform patients or their representatives that the referred caregiver is an independent contractor, meaning the registry is not responsible for their supervision, management, or training. If a referred caregiver violates the law or has deficient credentials, the nurse registry must advise the patient to terminate the contract, stop referring the individual, and report any practice violations to the relevant licensing board. However, the bill exempts nurse registries from the obligation to review or act upon records they maintain, except as specifically outlined for violations. Additionally, it exempts home health agencies that are not Medicare or Medicaid certified and do not provide skilled care from certain accreditation requirements.