Senate Bill 1596 Summary

• Creates Part 218 of the Public Health Code to establish licensing requirements for in-home services agencies, including home health agency-certified providers, private duty home care agencies, and home medical equipment suppliers, effective July 1, 2011.

• Requires all in-home services agencies to obtain a 3-year license from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and conduct criminal history checks on employees with direct patient access beginning July 1, 2011.

• Establishes a Michigan Board of In-Home Services Agency Licensing with 13 members representing home health agencies, private duty home care agencies, home medical equipment suppliers, and the public to advise the department.

• Sets licensing fees not to exceed $500 annually on a sliding scale based on agency size, service area, and type of services, with additional fees for agencies requiring more than 2 on-site surveys per licensure period.

• Imposes penalties for unlicensed operation including misdemeanor charges, potential corporate charter forfeiture, and cease-and-desist orders, while exempting family caregivers, religious organizations relying on spiritual healing, and certain contracted services from licensing requirements.