In-home supportive services: peer-to-peer training.
The enactment of AB 2872 would impose new requirements on counties by mandating the provision of peer-to-peer training, a task that previously lacked formal compensation structures for trainers. Providers who conduct this training will be paid at the prevailing wage rate, and the bill outlines a reimbursement process for peer-to-peer hours worked, mandating disbursements be handled by employee representative organizations. This could have significant implications for local budgets as counties may face increased administrative costs to fulfill these new obligations.
Assembly Bill 2872, introduced by Assembly Member Carrillo, seeks to enhance the In-Home Supportive Services program by implementing a structured peer-to-peer training process for providers. The bill mandates the State Department of Social Services to adopt this process by July 1, 2019, which entails compensating service providers for conducting training sessions aimed at familiarizing new providers with program navigation and operational procedures. This initiative is intended to strengthen the quality of care for aged, blind, or disabled individuals by ensuring providers are well-equipped with necessary knowledge and skills.
The general sentiment surrounding AB 2872 appears to be supportive among advocates of caregiver training as it promotes professional development within the In-Home Supportive Services sector. However, concerns may arise regarding the fiscal implications for local governments, as they are required to accommodate these new training and reimbursement structures within their existing budgets. Overall, the discussion suggests a balance between enhancing service quality and managing financial impacts on local authorities.
A notable point of contention related to AB 2872 is the responsibility it places on counties to provide training without mandated funding for the associated costs unless specifically identified as a state-mandated local program. This could lead to debates about the adequacy of state funding towards local services, particularly in an environment where counties are already managing constrained budgets. Furthermore, ensuring that the training provided aligns with existing training programs without redundancy presents logistical challenges.