HB 1 Summary

• Adds in-home personal care services agencies to the list of entities regulated by the Department of Health and Social Services under AS 47.32.

• Establishes the In-Home Personal Care Services Advisory Board with five members (two industry representatives, two client representatives, and one department employee) to advise on regulatory standards.

• Exempts entities providing personal care services under medical assistance programs or for veterans from licensing requirements under the new regulations.

• Creates licensing standards for in-home personal care agencies including client rights protections, grievance procedures, disclosure requirements, and standards for attendant care, homemaker services, and companion care.

• Authorizes the department to adopt regulations establishing practice standards, continuing education requirements, ethics codes, insurance requirements, and competency standards for infection control, client mobility, hygiene, nutrition, and emergency procedures.