H.F. 163 Summary

• Commissioner of human services shall establish a pilot project to assist parents with disabilities in childrearing tasks and prevent child removal solely based on parental disability.

• Parents eligible for personal care assistance (PCA) services through medical assistance can receive supportive parenting services from a separate PCA, limited to 40 hours per month, for tasks including childcare, meal preparation, bathing, and transportation.

• Eligible parents can also receive adaptive parenting equipment through an application process that includes an evaluation of equipment needs.

• Commissioner shall award two-year state-funded grants to approved PCA provider agencies to deliver services, paying them at the same rates as standard PCA services.

• Commissioner must submit a report by January 1, 2022, addressing the number of parents served, efficacy analysis, development costs, and proposed legislative changes to expand the program; an advisory committee with parents with disabilities, providers, and legislators must assist with the report and provide ongoing guidance.