HB 1357 Summary

• Expands in-home support services under Medicaid to include persons with spinal cord injuries, major mental illnesses, brain injuries, and those receiving supportive living and extensive support services.

• Allows eligible persons or their authorized representatives to choose their in-home support service agency and attendant, and to direct their care including scheduling, managing, and supervising attendants.

• Permits family members, including spouses, to serve as attendants providing in-home support services, with the state board establishing reimbursement limits for family members.

• Requires in-home support service agencies to maintain 24-hour backup services and employ or contract with a state-licensed health care professional, with clients determining the level of oversight needed.

• Appropriates $297,986 for fiscal year 2014-2015 ($145,983 general fund and $152,002 federal funds) for in-home support services implementation, with the act effective March 1, 2015.