Senate Bill No. 287 mandates that home health aide agencies provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to their home health aide employees and contractors at no cost. The bill defines "home health aide agency" and "home health aide employee" in accordance with existing statutes and specifies that the PPE must be necessary for safely delivering home health aide services to clients. The types of PPE required include disposable gloves, hand sanitizers, aprons, gowns, foot covers, face shields, and masks certified by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.
The bill is set to take effect on October 1, 2026, and does not impose any fiscal impact on the state or municipalities. The legislation aims to enhance the safety and protection of home health aides while they provide essential services in clients' homes, ensuring they have the necessary equipment to perform their duties safely.