SB 2004

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Act on the Aging. In a provision requiring workers to be appropriately trained to provide services under the Community Care Program, provides that only training curriculum approved by the Department on Aging may be used to fulfill training requirements for workers who provide in-home services. Requires the curriculum to consist of 24 hours of pre-service training and 12 hours of annual in-service training. Provides that the Department shall only approve training curriculum that (i) has been developed with input from consumer and worker representatives, and (ii) requires comprehensive instruction by qualified instructors on the required competencies and training topics. Provides that changes to the competencies, curriculum topics, or instructor qualifications shall be made only with input and approval of the Home Care Worker Training Subcommittee of the Community Care Program Advisory Committee. Provides that no person may perform in-home services under a program authorized under the Act unless that person has received pre-service training and remains current on his or her annual in-service training. Provides that pre-service training hours and in-service training hours shall be paid at the worker's regular rate of pay. Provides that starting no later than July 1, 2024, workers who have met the requirements to perform in-home services and the records of trainings they have completed shall be placed on the Health Care Worker Registry maintained by the Department of Public Health. Creates the Home Care Worker Training Subcommittee within the Community Care Program Advisory Committee. Provides that the purpose of the Subcommittee is to address the challenges of recruiting, training, and retaining the home care workforce needed to meet growing demand. Sets forth the Subcommittee's membership and its responsibilities. Effective immediately.