As of December 19, the Massachusetts Department of Labor Standards (DLS) no longer requires private-pay home care agencies to register for licenses. Several Alliance members report that DLS has already rejected and returned their licensure renewal applications. DLS has also posted a notice to long term care insurers on their website in response to concerns raised about recent regulations proposed separately by the Division of Insurance (DOI).
In the absence of a licensure or registration standard, the DOI regulators have indicated they will issue a regulation that leaves the door open to future state oversight policies. The Alliance has spoken with one major long-term care insurance company that has said this change would not have an impact on getting their clients the home care services they need since many states they operate in lack licensure standards as well. The insurer said that they would simply seek a general business license through the Secretary of State’s office and may potentially look to other accreditations and credentials.
The fear that private pay home care agencies would not receive long-term care insurance reimbursement in the void left by the recent DLS regulations appears to be less of a concern that previously believed. However, the Home Care Alliance will continue to monitor the situation and will work with private-pay home care members, the Home Care Aide Council and other organizations in pushing for a solution at the legislative level.
Return to www.thinkhomecare.org.
Think Home Care Blog 