AK SB154

Establishes the Home Care Employment Standards Advisory Board within the Department of Health, consisting of 10 members including commissioners, provider representatives, direct care workers, enrollees, and advocates for seniors and people with disabilities

Board must meet at least 3 times annually to advise on Medicaid payment rates for home care services and investigate wages, working conditions, recruitment, retention, and workforce adequacy for direct care workers

Requires agencies providing personal care services to pay at least 70% of Medicaid funding received as employee compensation and benefits starting July 1, 2026, increasing to 80% by July 1, 2030 (with hardship exemptions allowing 60% initially)

Board must submit biennial reports to the legislature with findings and recommendations on service rates, working conditions, recruitment barriers, and reducing unpaid care by family members

First board meeting required by October 1, 2025; payment requirements contingent on federal approval of Medicaid state plan amendments by January 1, 2026