Home Care Voice Blog

​This week, the Ohio Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) determined that the proposed rules to regulate Skilled and Non-Medical Home Health Services in the state, as set forth in Chapter 3701-60 of the Ohio Administrative Code, could be “final filed” by ODH as early as January 12, 2023. Being “final filed” is the last step in the rule making process and makes the rules final and enforceable. 

​Recently, the Home Care Association of America Board of Directors voted in Jeff Wiberg, CEO of Family Resource Home Care, as the new President of the HCAOA Board in 2023. An ardent supporter and long-time member of the organization, Wiberg also recently received the HCAOA Sheila McMackin Leadership Award for 2022.  
 
“Jeff Wiberg represents the ‘best of the best’ in our industry and we look forward to his term as President of HCAOA,” said HCAOA CEO Vicki Hoak. “Jeff has a proven track record of success as a home care provider and recognizes the value of our association, which he has been promoting for nearly a decade. His role as Education Chair and his deep commitment to advocacy, at both the state and federal levels will serve him well as he leads HCAOA in the coming year.” 

​​​HCAOA asked Jeff Wiberg a few questions about his background, engagement with HCAOA, the Leadership Award, and what he looks forward to in 2023.

​The Home Care Association of America is proud to announce the new 2023 Board of Directors members.
 
The three open corporate seats will be filled by:
-Michael Coccaro, Synergy HomeCare
-Dan Drennen, Visiting Angels
-Margaret Haynes, Right at Home
 
The two open independent seats will be filled by:
-Brett Ringold, A Long Term Companion
-Sara Wilson,  Home Assist Health

​HCAOA has the privilege to work with some of the best and brightest leaders in the home care industry and benefit from their wisdom through their service on the Board of Directors. Emma Dickison of Home Helpers Home Care has served as the President of the HCAOA Board of Directors for the past 3 years, helping our organization and the home care industry navigate uncharted waters.  
 
Reflection on Emma’s Leadership
 
“Emma Dickison was the right person at the right time for HCAOA,” said HCAOA CEO Vicki Hoak. “I had only been with HCAOA for four months when the pandemic hit. From the beginning, Emma committed to ensuring HCAOA members always had the most up-to-the-minute information on COVID and we maintained that commitment through the pandemic.”
 
“Emma has consistently championed efforts to elevate the home care industry and supported our [HCAOA] staff. She led our association through unprecedented challenges--a pandemic, an explosion of demand for in-home care, and maneuvering through the worst workforce shortage in decades. Emma Dickison is a class act and we all owe her great deal of gratitude for what she has done over the last three years,” said Hoak
 
HCAOA asked Emma to share some thoughts from her time as Board President.

​All members in Ohio are encouraged to check the status of their pending licensure applications online. Search by selecting “home health agency” under provider type, “state of Ohio” as information type, and entering in your agency’s name under provider name to get all available information on your application status.
​​

​At the end of the COVID-19 federal public health emergency (PHE), Georgia is required to begin reviewing eligibility for Medicaid and PeachCare for Kids® members. For many of the 2.6 million Georgians who have Medicaid or PeachCare for Kids® coverage, this will be their first time going through the redetermination process. 

​After experiencing a record-setting two years in care-at-home mergers and acquisitions (M&A), 2022 remains sluggish according to HCAOA Associate Member Mertz Taggart. 

​The new administrative policy released by Washington’s Department of Labor & Industry about the Equal Pay and Opportunities Act sheds light on the new job posting requirements and existing interpretations of the Act.
 
Effective January 1, 2023, employers with fifteen or more employees must provide a wage scale or salary range, plus information on benefits and other compensation in job postings. 
​

​HCAOA membership renewal notices have been emailed and members are taking advantage of the many new and existing benefits of their membership. Are you?
 
Fun Fact: HCAOA members generate 38 percent more revenue than non-members.
 
Take advantage of your member discounts to grow your revenue!

​HCAOA has been meeting virtually and in-person with legislators in preparation for the upcoming session. The Joint Legislative Executive Committee meeting on Planning for Aging and Disability Issues on last week was informative. The new legislative session begins January 9, 2023.
 
2023 In-Home Services Day is being planned for February 1, 2023.