The General Assembly Raised Bill No. 1415 aims to establish minimum wage requirements for employees providing direct care in nursing homes and group homes funded by Medicaid. Effective July 1, 2025, nursing homes are mandated to implement a wage increase schedule that ensures all direct care employees earn at least $22.50 per hour by January 1, 2026, and $25.00 per hour by January 1, 2027. However, Medicaid-funded nursing homes are exempt from this requirement unless state payment rates are sufficient to cover the wage increases. Additionally, nursing homes that receive rate adjustments for wage increases but fail to implement the corresponding salary increases may face rate reductions from the Commissioner of Social Services.

The bill also amends section 19a-491a of the general statutes, requiring applicants for nursing home licenses to provide detailed financial information, including wage data to demonstrate compliance with the new wage requirements. Furthermore, nonprofit employers operating group homes must also implement similar wage increases for employees serving individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities, with state funds allocated to support these increases. By December 31, 2026, the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management is required to report on the impact of these wage increases on employee retention and the quality of services provided to group home residents.