Homemaker-companion agencies must train covered workers

Homemaker-companion agencies must provide covered employees with paid initial training and annual continuing education. The rules cover agency employees who provide homemaker or companion services, with the listed worker exemptions. A worker trained by another agency within the prior three years may satisfy the initial training requirement by providing the required proof form. The requirements do not cover registered nurse's aides, home health aides, personal care attendants, or agency employees who provide no homemaker or companion services. The training duties apply starting January 1, 2027. Initial training is due within 90 days after a worker starts.

The Consumer Protection commissioner must publish approved training programs, and agencies and registries have training and recordkeeping duties. These duties apply to homemaker-companion agencies and registries that refer or place workers to provide homemaker or companion services. The commissioner must consult the commissioners of Public Health, Social Services, Developmental Services, and Mental Health and Addiction Services. Agencies must ensure each employee completes every program on the list at least once every two calendar years, submit an annual attestation, and keep program and training records. Registries must ensure a worker meets the stated training requirements before referring or placing the worker with a consumer. The program list is due by October 1, 2026. Agencies must begin annual attestations by January 1, 2027; registries must check before each referral or placement.

Agencies may make certain claims about worker training and may use “care” in advertising under stated limits. These advertising rules apply to homemaker-companion agencies. An agency describing training for workers serving people with memory difficulties must accurately state the training type and number of hours. An agency may say it follows state training requirements, including by naming training topics. Advertising that uses “care” must clearly say the agency provides only nonmedical care and must not suggest services beyond those allowed; misleading advertising violates the law. This substituted advertising provision takes effect January 1, 2027.