The proposed legislation, General Assembly Raised Bill No. 5143, mandates that homemaker-companion agencies provide a minimum of ten paid hours of initial training to new employees within ninety days of their employment, effective December 31, 2026. This training must cover various essential topics, including cardiopulmonary resuscitation, communication, maintaining a safe environment, and recognizing signs of abuse or changes in client conditions. Additionally, if the employee will be working with clients suffering from Alzheimer's disease or dementia, specific training on that subject is also required. The Commissioner of Consumer Protection, in collaboration with other relevant commissioners, will develop a list of approved training programs that agencies must utilize.

Furthermore, starting January 1, 2027, the bill requires each homemaker-companion agency to provide at least ten hours of continuing education annually to all employees, ensuring they complete each program on the approved list at least once every two years. Agencies must also maintain records of training programs and employee completions, submitting annual attestations to the Department of Consumer Protection to confirm adherence to these training requirements. The bill aims to enhance the quality of care provided by homemaker-companion agencies through structured training and ongoing education for their employees.