This bill mandates that entities participating in Medicaid personal care services programs report on the status of the direct care workforce to the Health Care Authority. By March 1, 2026, and annually thereafter, personal care service provider agencies must submit data regarding their direct care workers, including demographic information, wages, employment length, turnover rates, and benefits offered. Additionally, Medicaid managed care organizations and financial management agencies are required to report similar data for direct care workers involved in self-directed community benefits. The Health Care Authority will analyze this data and provide annual reports to various legislative committees and stakeholders.

Furthermore, by January 1, 2030, the Health Care Authority is tasked with conducting a study to determine the costs associated with providing personal care services and to recommend reimbursement rates. This study will consider factors such as federal payment adequacy requirements, the costs of paying direct care workers at least 150% of the state minimum wage, and the impact of vacancies on service provider costs. The bill also establishes an interested parties advisory group to provide recommendations on reimbursement rates, which will include direct care workers, eligible Medicaid recipients, and authority staff.