The 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. Specifically, personal care service provider agencies, Medicaid managed care organizations, and financial management agencies are required to submit detailed data regarding their direct care workers, including demographic information, employment statistics, wage details, and turnover rates. This reporting is to begin by March 1, 2026, and will occur annually thereafter. The Health Care Authority is tasked with analyzing this data and providing reports to various legislative committees and stakeholders.

Additionally, the bill requires the Health Care Authority to conduct a study by January 1, 2030, to determine the costs associated with providing personal care services and to recommend reimbursement rates. The study will consider factors such as federal payment adequacy requirements, the impact of raising direct care worker wages, and the effects of vacancies on costs. An interested parties advisory group will also be established to provide recommendations on reimbursement rates, ensuring that the voices of direct care workers and eligible Medicaid recipients are included in the decision-making process.