The bill aims to standardize the basic training and certification requirements for long-term care workers providing in-home care for their family members, including spouses and domestic partners. It amends existing laws to clarify the exemptions from certification for certain long-term care workers, specifically those caring for their children, parents, siblings, and other relatives. The bill introduces new language that specifies the roles of long-term care workers and outlines the training requirements they must complete within specified timeframes after becoming employed. Notably, it establishes that long-term care workers providing care for a spouse or domestic partner must complete 15 hours of basic training and additional focused training based on the care needs of the individual.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for long-term care workers funded through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs home and community-based programs, requiring them to complete 35 hours of training within 120 days of employment. The training must include orientation and safety components, with specific hours allocated to each. The bill also allows for flexibility in training completion during emergencies, such as pandemics or natural disasters, and mandates a review of training compliance after such events. The new section created by the bill will expire on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.88B.041, 74.39A.076
Substitute Bill: 18.88B.041, 74.39A.076
Bill as Passed Legislature: 18.88B.041, 74.39A.076
Session Law: 18.88B.041, 74.39A.076