This bill amends the Human Services Code to introduce new provisions regarding the qualifications for direct care staff in personal care homes and assisted living residences. Specifically, it allows individuals to take a skills competency examination as an alternative to holding a high school diploma or GED. The examination will assess various competencies, including interpersonal communication, basic literacy, cultural awareness, and understanding of mental health needs. However, it explicitly states that passing this examination does not authorize direct care staff to dispense or administer medication.

Additionally, the bill empowers the Department of Human Services to implement temporary regulations to facilitate the new examination process, exempting these regulations from certain administrative laws for a period of two years. It also abrogates existing regulations that conflict with the new provisions. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 66 (Jan 22, 2025): P.L.31, No.21
Printer's No. 757 (May 06, 2025): P.L.31, No.21
Printer's No. 0066: P.L.31, No.21