The bill seeks to strengthen the regulation and oversight of home care services in Massachusetts by amending Chapter 6A of the General Laws. It introduces a licensing requirement for home care agencies, which must be issued by the executive office of health and human services. To obtain and maintain this license, agencies must comply with criteria that include background checks for home care workers, adherence to minimum service plan standards, and completion of training requirements. Additionally, the bill establishes a home care worker and consumer abuse stakeholder advisory committee to address issues of abuse in the sector, as well as a home care oversight advisory council to aid in the development and implementation of regulations.

Moreover, the bill prohibits consumers of personal care attendant services from engaging in discriminatory conduct against their attendants. It requires the executive office to issue temporary licenses for home care agencies within 180 days of the bill's effective date, allowing agencies currently contracted with aging services access points or MassHealth to continue operating while they complete the licensing process. The executive office is also responsible for promulgating regulations for the licensing and conduct of home care agencies within one year of the bill's enactment. The establishment of these frameworks and advisory bodies aims to enhance consumer and worker protection in the home care sector.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 151B-4