MA S2555

Establishes a mandatory state licensure system for home care agencies through the Secretary of Health and Human Services, with provisional licenses available for up to 120 days for new applicants or agencies temporarily unable to meet standards

Requires home care agencies to meet standards including background checks for workers (criminal history, OIG exclusion list, nurse aide registry), workers' compensation and liability insurance, emergency preparedness plans, and annual training requirements covering topics like infection control, dementia care, and abuse reporting

Creates a 16-member Home Care Worker and Consumer Abuse Stakeholder Advisory Committee to develop standards for addressing physical, verbal, and mental abuse of home care workers, personal care attendants, and consumers, with initial recommendations due within 6 months

Establishes a Home Care Oversight Advisory Council to advise on licensure regulations and conduct statewide market analysis of available home care services, meeting quarterly until regulations are promulgated

Extends anti-discrimination protections under Chapter 151B to employers of personal care attendants, including individual consumers who employ PCAs