HB 988 Summary

• Expands the definition of "coach" to include assisting care recipients and caregivers with program enrollment and completing necessary forms, including tax forms, privacy forms, background checks, and financial management documents.

• Amends "person-centered support plan" to be developed by the care recipient and their qualified caregiver, focusing on identifying the care recipient's needs and allowing the caregiver to remain employed.

• Allows qualified caregivers to work fewer than 30 hours per week during a declared state of emergency while remaining eligible for kupuna caregivers program assistance.

• Establishes two service delivery options within the kupuna caregivers program: traditional service delivery through contracted providers and kupuna caregiver-directed services with shared decision-making authority over budgeted amounts.

• Permits funds allocated to qualified caregivers (up to $210 per week) to be issued directly to a financial management service provider in addition to service providers.