New Jersey Senate Bill S3313

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/7/22
• Refer: 11/7/22

Caption

Establishes program for certain individuals to be certified as homemaker-home health aides and provide services to certain Medicaid enrollees.

Impact

The program aims to enhance the availability of home care services by providing an opportunity for family members to be trained and certified as HHAs. Under this program, those certified will be able to deliver HHA services under the supervision of a registered nurse, which is expected to improve care for patients while potentially reducing the costs associated with professional home care services. Importantly, private duty nursing agencies will cover the costs of certification for family members or third-party assistants.

Summary

Bill S3313 establishes a program allowing family members or third-party individuals approved by parents or guardians to be certified as homemaker-home health aides (HHA). This program is intended for enrollees of Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare who qualify for private duty nursing services. The Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (DMAHS) is mandated to develop an assessment tool to identify eligible enrollees within a nine-month timeframe following the bill's enactment and federal approval.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a positive step towards improving home care accessibility, there are concerns over the adequacy of training and the supervision model. Supporters argue that this will empower families and improve care delivery. However, critics may worry about the regulatory oversight and potential risks associated with less formal training compared to professional home health aides, particularly in ensuring the quality of care being provided. The requirement for a registered nurse to conduct on-site visits is intended to mitigate these concerns, but the effectiveness of this measure remains a point of discussion.