The 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," while outlining the requirements for obtaining a home care agency license from the Secretary of Health and Human Services. The bill mandates that no entity can operate as a home care agency without this license, which will be subject to renewal and can be revoked for cause. Additionally, the Secretary is tasked with developing regulations that include background checks for home care workers, minimum standards for service plans, and training requirements to ensure quality care and safety for both consumers and workers.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a Home Care Worker and Consumer Abuse Stakeholder Advisory Committee to address issues of abuse and bullying within home care settings, which must meet monthly for the first six months to develop recommendations. It also creates a Home Care Oversight Advisory Council, chaired by the Secretary or their designee, to assist in implementing the new licensing process and review existing regulations. The council will include representatives from state agencies and organizations related to aging and independence, with members appointed by the minority leaders of both the House and Senate, as well as four appointees from the governor. The bill amends existing laws to include personal care attendants as defined in chapter 118E and mandates the Secretary of Health and Human Services to create rules for home care agency licensing within one year.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 151B-1