Connecticut Chapter Engages in Home Care Policy Debate, Encourages Members to Act

As the home care policy debate heats up, the Connecticut Chapter continues to make members’ voices heard during debates.  Here’s what the Chapter has done so far: 

• Final report of the homemaker companion task force. The Chapter drafted comments in response to the task force recommendations.
• Senate Bill 1025, implementing the home care task force recommendations. The Chapter’s grass roots efforts in response to the bill included facilitating meetings with key leaders of the Aging and General Law committees, drafting written testimony, and testifying in support of the bill at the public hearing.
• Ban of the use of the word 'care.' As shared in the Insider, the Chapter sent a letter to Governor Lamont asking him to direct the Commissioner of Consumer Protection to withdraw guidance banning use of the word ‘care’ by home care agencies.
  • Members met with the Governor’s legal counsel and advocated for recognizing support for clients experiencing memory difficulties and advertising authorized designations if caregivers are certified or trained.
  • The Chapter also proposed an amendment to SB 1025 that would make it clear that 'care' can be used in HCA business names and advertising and codify the guidance with respect to advertising support by employees trained to care for clients experiencing memory difficulties.
  • Also, the Chapter formed a coalition with CT Association for Healthcare at Home to engage area access agencies and members about the guidance.
• Additional policies. The Chapter is actively participating in or monitoring other legislation affecting the in-home care industry such as:
  • Medicaid reimbursement in the Governor’s proposed budget;
  • DCP’s proposals in House Bill 6767, which would require (1) HCAs to provide written notice at least 60 days in advance of any change in rates impacting consumers, (2) background checks for new owners, and (3) written notice to clients at least 10 days in advance of ceasing business operations;
  • and legislation that would provide a personal income tax deduction for the costs of home health care and a similar measure benefiting veterans. 

There is more to do! The HCAOA Connecticut Chapter encourages members to:

• Send a message to the Governor via the HCAOA Legislative Action Network to allow the home care industry to use the word ‘care’.
• Contact your legislators and members of the Aging Committee today and ask them to support an amendment to SB 1025 to allow the home care industry to use the word ‘care’. (Contact information can be found at the committee homepage by clicking on Committee Membership.)
• Submit testimony to the Aging Committee using the online written testimony submission form. Send the testimony to your home and office legislators. Find your legislators here.