By Bob Katzen

House 157-0, Senate 40-0, approved and sent to Gov. Maura Healey a bill that would establish a licensure process for home care agencies that supporters say will ensure that consumers receive quality non-medical services and that home care workers are protected.

The Executive Office of Health and Human Services would implement the licensure process and have the authority to approve licenses, survey and investigate home care agencies and impose fines. Home care agencies would be required to disclose anyone with at least a 5 percent ownership interest in the agency, carry workers compensation and liability insurance and provide appropriate levels of training for their employees.

“Everyone—consumers and workers—will be safer and better served with home care licensure in place,” said lead sponsor Sen. Pat Jehlen (D-Somerville). “This legislation is the culmination of years of collaboration with advocates representing older adults, care providers, unions and regulators to ensure all agencies are vetted, workers are protected and consumers receive high-quality care. The commissions on long-term services and supports and family caregiving are important next steps in providing more affordable options for our residents to access care and services.”

“Once again, the House and Senate answer the call to meet the needs of our older adults and prioritize aging in place,” said Rep. Tom Stanley (D-Waltham). “This legislation follows up last session’s landmark Long-Term Care reform law by strengthening another key pillar of the commonwealth’s continuum of care for older adults and individuals with disabilities—home care. At a time when our aging population is growing and demand for home care is expected to increase, the licensing and oversight process established in this bill for home care agencies is needed more than ever to protect consumers, their families and home care workers.”

“The bipartisan support for this bill in both the Senate and the House showcases the commitment within both chambers to keep aging residents in Massachusetts,” said Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton). “The protections created in this bill will give families the ease of mind that their older relatives will receive safer and higher-quality care at their homes through more training, oversight and accountability in the licensure process and beyond.”

(A Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes Sen. Patricia Jehlen Yes