Providers, unions and families urge licensure for nonmedical home care at Joint Committee hearing

At a hearing of the Joint Committee on Aging and Independence, providers, labor representatives and family caregivers testified broadly in favor of H.789 / S.470, legislation to create a statewide licensure system for nonmedical home care agencies in Massachusetts.

Supporters told committee members the bill would set baseline standards for agencies, ensure background checks and training for workers, and protect consumers and caregivers. "It's often easier to open a home care agency than it is a pizza shop in Massachusetts," said Jake Krolovich, executive director of the Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts, arguing the current business-registration process allows operators to enter the market without consistent standards. "We believe agencies should be held to a baseline set of standards that would protect consumers and the workforce."

The bill would direct the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) to establish licensing standards, in consultation with the Executive Office of Elder Affairs and the Department of Mental Health, and would authorize state departments to conduct surveys and investigations, set background-screening rules, require minimum…