This bill establishes the Home Care Employment Standards Advisory Board within the Department of Health in Alaska. The board will consist of various members, including commissioners and representatives from covered providers, direct care workers, and organizations representing seniors and individuals with disabilities. The board's responsibilities include advising on payment rates for personal care services, investigating workforce conditions, and preparing a biennial report on service adequacy and recommendations for improvement. The board will meet at least three times a year and is required to provide public testimony opportunities during meetings.

Additionally, the bill mandates that agencies providing home and community-based services must allocate a specified percentage of their funding for personal care services to employee compensation and benefits, starting at 70% in 2026 and increasing to 80% by 2030. There are provisions for hardship exemptions for small providers, allowing them to pay a lower percentage under certain conditions. The bill also outlines the process for the board's first meeting and the necessary amendments to the state Medicaid plan to implement these changes, with specific conditions for the bill's effectiveness based on federal approval.

Statutes affected:
HB0096A, AM HB 96, introduced 02/12/2025: 44.29.600, 44.29.910, 44.29.905, 44.29.915, 44.29.920, 44.29.925, 39.20.180, 44.29.930, 44.29.935, 44.29.940, 44.29.945, 44.29.900, U.S.C, 47.07.030, 47.07.045
HB0096B, AM CSHB 96(HSS), introduced 04/09/2025: 44.29.600, 44.29.910, 44.29.905, 44.29.915, 44.29.920, 44.29.925, 39.20.180, 44.29.930, 44.29.935, 44.29.940, 44.29.945, 44.29.900, U.S.C, 47.07.030, 47.07.045
HB0096C, AM CSHB 96(L&C), introduced 04/25/2025: 44.29.600, 44.29.910, 44.29.905, 44.29.915, 44.29.920, 44.29.925, 39.20.180, 44.29.930, 44.29.935, 44.29.940, 44.29.945, 44.29.900, U.S.C, 47.07.030, 47.07.045