The bill aims to standardize the basic training and certification requirements for long-term care workers providing in-home care for family members, including spouses and domestic partners. It amends existing laws to clarify the exemptions from certification for certain long-term care workers, such as those caring for their own children, parents, siblings, or other relatives. The bill introduces new language to replace terms like "individual provider" with "long-term care worker" and specifies that these workers must complete certain training requirements based on the type of care they provide. For instance, long-term care workers providing care for a spouse or domestic partner must complete 15 hours of basic training and additional focused training within the first 120 days of their employment.

Additionally, the bill establishes a new section that mandates long-term care workers funded through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to complete 35 hours of training, including orientation and safety training, within 120 days of starting their role. This section is set to expire on July 1, 2026. The legislation also allows for flexibility in training completion during emergencies, such as pandemics or natural disasters, and requires the department to adopt rules for implementation and compliance monitoring.

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