Residential Service Agencies - Employee Registry
The implementation of HB490 is expected to enhance accountability and oversight within the home health care sector. By requiring residential service agencies to maintain and submit employee information, the bill seeks to create a more organized framework that benefits not just regulatory compliance but also supports labor organizations. The provision allowing disclosure of this information to labor unions or similar organizations may assist in fostering better labor relations and employee protections within the industry.
House Bill 490 is an act aimed at establishing a comprehensive registry for employees of residential service agencies that provide home health care in Maryland. This bill mandates the Maryland Department of Health to maintain an updated registry that includes detailed information about each employee, such as their name, identification number, job title, gender, address, training certifications, and employer details. The registry is to be updated at least quarterly to ensure accurate and current information is available.
While supporters of HB490 advocate for improved regulation and oversight of home health care employees, there are potential areas of contention related to privacy and the burden placed on residential service agencies. Critics may raise concerns regarding the implications of collecting sensitive employee information, particularly with respect to domestic violence victims and their confidentiality. Additionally, the bill specifies that agencies cannot pass the costs of collection onto employees, which underscores the delicate balance between ensuring compliance and protecting employee rights.