Substitute Senate Bill No. 1451 aims to enhance safety measures for home health care and home health aide agencies by introducing new requirements for client intake and staff training. The bill mandates that these agencies collect and provide information about prospective clients, including their history of violence, substance use, and any safety hazards at the service location. It also requires health care providers to share relevant documentation during patient referrals to ensure that agencies have the necessary information for client intake. The definition of agencies is expanded to include hospice agencies, which were previously excluded, and the bill emphasizes the need for annual safety training and monthly assessments for staff.

Additionally, the bill prohibits agencies from denying services based solely on a client's refusal to provide information. It expands reporting obligations for both home health and hospice agencies regarding incidents of workplace violence or abuse against staff members, requiring reports of threats or abuse from any individual related to the staff member's employment. The Department of Social Services (DSS) is authorized to increase Medicaid rates for agencies that report workplace violence incidents, now applicable to hospice agencies as well. Agencies must adopt a health and safety training curriculum endorsed by federal health organizations, with annual training required for staff to maintain compliance and Medicaid reimbursement eligibility. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025.

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