Substitute Senate Bill No. 1451 seeks to improve safety protocols for home health care and home health aide agencies, as well as hospice agencies, by introducing new client intake requirements and staff training mandates. The bill requires agencies to gather and provide information on prospective clients, including their history of violence and substance use, and to share relevant documentation during patient referrals. It also emphasizes the importance of annual safety training and monthly safety assessments for staff, with specific provisions for hospice agencies that were previously excluded from such regulations. The bill repeals and substitutes existing statutes to incorporate these changes, with an effective date of October 1, 2025.

Additionally, the bill expands reporting obligations for incidents of workplace violence and abuse, requiring agencies to report any threats or abuse against staff members, not just those from clients. The Department of Social Services (DSS) is empowered to enhance Medicaid reimbursement rates for agencies that comply with these reporting requirements. The bill mandates that agencies adopt a health and safety training curriculum aligned with federal guidelines to ensure staff are adequately trained to manage workplace hazards. Overall, the bill aims to create a safer working environment for health care providers and improve the quality of care for clients.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
PH Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 297: