The proposed bill aims to enhance the regulation and oversight of home care services in Massachusetts by establishing a licensing framework for home care agencies. It introduces new definitions for key terms such as "home care agency," "home care consumer," and "home care worker," and mandates that no entity may operate as a home care agency without a license issued by the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The bill outlines the requirements for obtaining a license, including background checks for home care workers, minimum standards for service plans, and training requirements. It also allows for the issuance of provisional licenses for agencies that are temporarily unable to meet standards and imposes fines for unlicensed operation.

Additionally, the bill establishes a Home Care Worker and Consumer Abuse Stakeholder Advisory Committee to address issues of abuse and bullying within home care settings, and a Home Care Oversight Advisory Council to advise on the implementation of the new licensing regulations. The council will include representatives from state agencies, the legislature, and home care organizations, and is required to meet quarterly. The bill also amends existing laws to include personal care attendants as defined in chapter 118E, expanding the scope of employers covered under these regulations. The Secretary of Health and Human Services is tasked with creating rules for home care agency licensing within one year of the bill's effective date, and both advisory committees are set to begin their work shortly after the bill's enactment.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 151B-1