By Bob Katzen
The Senate on a voice vote, without a roll call, approved a proposal that supporters said would help older adults age in place at home by improving the home care industry that assists elders with basic care like cooking, dressing and bathing.
A key provision would establish a licensure process, which would include fingerprinting and background checks for home care agencies to ensure that consumers receive quality non-medical services, and that home care workers are protected. Massachusetts is currently among a handful of states that do not regulate home care agencies.
Other provisions help connect people in need of care with a properly checked home care service by requiring the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to share a list of verified and licensed agencies on its website; creating a committee—the Home Care Worker and Consumer Abuse Stakeholder Advisory Committee—to advise EOHHS on new regulations and how to handle safety concerns for both consumers and home care workers; and creating a special commission to explore the idea of a possible state program which people would pay into and from which older and retired adults would receive long-term services or support.
“Home care is such an important component to our overall system, allowing people to remain in their homes with dignity, and receive the care they need to maintain their daily lives,” said Sen. Mike Rodrigues (D-Westport), chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. “By creating a licensure process, both the caregiver and the client benefit, ensuring the best care for our residents, and increasing the level of integrity for the home care worker. This legislation closes a loophole that will now mandate that these important health care workers be under proper state regulations and oversight. These regulations will go a long way towards giving patients and their families a large measure of comfort and peace of mind.”
“Everyone—consumers and workers—will be safer with home care licensure,” said Sen. Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville), Senate chair of the Committee on Aging and Independence and the Senate sponsor of the legislation. “If you qualify for state-paid home care, the agency who sends you workers is required to train and supervise them and meet other standards. But if you’re private pay, you may have to find someone in a hurry. There are a large and growing number of agencies, many for profit. They can send care workers who would come into your home and help with grocery shopping and even intimate help with showering. We don’t even know how many such agencies there are. And they don’t have to meet any standards. The bill is supported by home care organizations, SEIU 1199 and consumer groups. Most of us will need long term care at some point, and many of us will find it very hard to afford.”
“As Massachusetts’ population ages, the demand for homecare is rising,” said Cari Medina, Executive Vice President of 1199SEIU United Healthcare Workers East. “Older adults and people with disabilities who receive care at home, and their families, deserve protection from fly-by-night homecare operations that cut corners and mistreat workers to make a quick buck.”