Substitute Senate Bill No. 1451 seeks to improve safety protocols for home health care and home health aide agencies by introducing new client intake requirements and staff training mandates. The bill requires these agencies to gather and provide information on prospective clients, including their history of violence, substance use, and any safety hazards at the service location. It also expands the definition of agencies to include hospice organizations, which were previously exempt, and emphasizes the necessity for annual safety training and monthly safety assessments for staff. Additionally, health care providers are mandated to share relevant documentation when referring patients to these agencies, ensuring they have the necessary information for effective client intake.

The bill enhances 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. It allows the Department of Social Services (DSS) to increase Medicaid rates for agencies that report such incidents, now applicable to hospice agencies as well. The bill also mandates that agencies adopt a health and safety training curriculum endorsed by federal health organizations, with compliance overseen by the DSS commissioner to maintain Medicaid reimbursement eligibility. The effective date for these changes is set for October 1, 2025, and the bill repeals and substitutes existing statutes to incorporate these new requirements, removing the previous exemption for hospice organizations.

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