SF No. 318, Sections 1 to 7, create under the home care licensing statutes a new certification for unlicensed personnel providing home care services. Certified paraprofessionals include certified medical assistants and emergency medical technicians. In addition to alternative training, certified paraprofessionals are distinguished from other unlicensed personnel providing home care services by (1) requiring only the level of supervision that a licensed practical nurse receives and (2) being permitted to provide services within the scope of regular home care nursing services, which are currently permitted only if provided by a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse.
Section 8 directs the commissioner of human services to reimburse certified paraprofessionals who provide home care services, personal care assistance services, services under the elderly waiver, services to persons with developmental disabilities, disability waiver services, and community first services and supports at the same rate as licensed practical nurses who provide the same services.
Section 9 directs the commissioner of human services to seek federal approval to reimburse certified paraprofessionals for the services and at the rate outlined in the bill.
|