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 new definitions and requirements for home care agencies, including the necessity for a home care agency license issued by the executive office of health and human services. Key provisions include background checks for home care workers, minimum standards for service plans, and training requirements. The bill also establishes a home care worker and consumer abuse stakeholder advisory committee to address abusive treatment in the sector, as well as a home care oversight advisory council to assist in developing and implementing regulations.

Additionally, the bill prohibits consumers of personal care attendant services from engaging in discriminatory conduct against their attendants. It mandates the executive office to issue temporary licenses for home care agencies within 180 days of the act's effective date, allowing currently contracted agencies to operate while completing the licensing process. The executive office is also required to set a deadline for licensing home care service providers within one year of adopting relevant regulations. The advisory committee is tasked with meeting monthly for the first six months and submitting a report with initial findings and recommendations, while the oversight council is to be formed and commence activities within 60 days of the act's effective date. These measures aim to enhance consumer and worker protection in the home care sector.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 151B-4