SB 411 - Home Care Services Act of 2012

• Establishes licensure and regulation of home care organizations by the State Department of Social Services effective July 1, 2013, requiring organizations to obtain licenses, maintain $1 million general liability insurance, and comply with operating standards including emergency plans and employee dishonesty bonds.

• Requires certification of home care aides beginning January 1, 2014, with minimum five hours of entry-level training, background clearances, tuberculosis testing, and annual job-related training of at least five paid hours.

• Mandates home care organizations provide clients with written information about available services, costs, payment sources, advance directive policies, and client rights including property respect, grievance procedures, and confidentiality.

• Imposes civil penalties up to $900 per day for unlicensed operation or violations by home care organizations and employment agencies, with enforcement authority granted to the Attorney General and district attorneys.

• Creates the Home Care Organization and Home Care Aide Fund to support program administration through licensure and certification fees, with no General Fund moneys required except for initial implementation costs.