While home care workers do not currently qualify as health care workers, this initiative is being closely watched by HCAOA, HCAOA California Chapter members and our lobbyist in case it comes our way.
 
California’s health care workers’ union has been advocating for a statewide $25 minimum wage, but the efforts collapsed last week. Some were for the increase, claiming it would provide better compensation for workers and relief for hospitals and budget deals. Others warned that the deal would imperil workers and trade wages for patient safety.

Members in South Carolina are invited to participate in a Chapter meeting on Wednesday, September 7 at 10:00 a.m. This virtual meeting will include an update on labor law requirements for employers.
 
This session is free to all HCAOA members, and registration is required. Click here to register.

​The Home Care Association of America has announced the 13 finalists for the 2022 Caregiver of the Year award. More than 300 caregivers from around the country were nominated for this national award, which recognizes the top caregivers across the country who provide care and services at home, such as assistance with bathing, dressing, and medication reminders, to seniors and people with disabilities.  

On Thursday, September 22, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. EST, the Home Care Association of America, in conjunction with Polsinelli and the National Association for Home Care & Hospice, will present a legal update for home-based care providers.
 
The event will provide an overview of the latest state and federal regulatory developments impacting the industry, HIPAA and privacy-related issues and compliance, best practices for structuring live-in care programs, compensation of caregivers, and more. 
 
The event features HCAOA CEO Vicki Hoak, NAHC President Bill Dombi, and Allison Dressel, Angelo Spinola, and Will Vail of Polsinelli.
 
Learn more and register by clicking here.

​Stay Tuned! The HCAOA New York Chapter will hold a virtual meeting in late September to review the new LHCSA application and process, as well as the October 1 institution of the new minimum wage for home care providers. Details will be shared soon.
 
On August 17, 2022, the New York State Department of Health (DOH) released a long-awaited Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) setting forth application changes for licensed home care services agencies (LHCSAs) in New York, a new application required for LHCSA licensure, and a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document regarding application requirements. 

The Washington Department of Health has announced new dates for Nursing Assistant Skills exams. Below is the list of new dates and locations in August and September.

To ensure that HCAOA is being responsive to our Michigan HCAOA Chapter members’ needs and providing the type of information you are interested in receiving, the Chapter is conducting a brief survey.
 
Your response is valuable and appreciated. Please respond by clicking the link below. All responses will be kept confidential. View the survey and respond here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LHB77X7
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​Last week the National Academy for State Health Policy released the final component of the RAISE Act State Policy Roadmap for Family Caregivers. This roadmap was developed from the efforts of the RAISE Council, their report to Congress and their efforts to improve recognition and support of caregivers. 

​The many, diligent efforts of leaders in your organizations and agencies to promote and advocate for the home care industry are inspiring and deserving of recognition. Today is the nomination deadline for HCAOA’s prestigious Sheila McMackin Leadership Award and Allen Hager Legislative Award. 

​The Washington Department of Health and the Department of Social and Health Services have announced additional skills exam dates through the end of August to help with the Nursing Commission's backlog of nearly 5,000 CNA students. 

​With a sold-out exhibit hall, a record number of attendees and sponsors and a quickly approaching hotel reservation deadline, home care industry leaders are encouraged to register soon for the 2022 HCAOA Annual Leadership Conference, September 17 – 19, in Orlando, FL. 

On August 11, 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued a new Summary of Guidance for Minimizing the Impact of COVID-19 on Individual Persons, Communities, and Health Care Systems.

​This week, CMS awarded approximately $25 million in planning grants to five new states and territories to expand access to home and community-based services (HCBS) through Medicaid’s Money Follows the Person (MFP) demonstration program. With these awards, 41 states and territories across the country will now participate in MFP.