PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB1068

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1068

Introduced
3/31/25  

Caption

Providing for licensure of family members to provide skilled care to designated children, for applications for licensure, for qualifications for licensure, for employment and compensation of licensed family members, for limitations and supervision of licensed family members, for notice to parents of recipients and for authorization of covered skilled care.

Impact

The bill is expected to significantly change the landscape of family-provided healthcare in Pennsylvania. By allowing family members to receive compensation as licensed care providers, it addresses the practical and emotional needs of families dealing with children who have medical conditions. This could potentially improve access to skilled nursing care for these children while promoting the employment of relatives in a role that is familiar and emotionally supportive for the patient. Furthermore, it encourages community and family involvement in healthcare provision, which can lead to a more personalized care approach.

Summary

House Bill 1068, known as the Families Providing Extraordinary Care Act, aims to establish a licensure framework for family members who wish to provide skilled care to designated children. The bill outlines the process for licensure applications, qualifications required, and procedures for employment and compensation of licensed family members. This legislative measure is particularly aimed at filling the gap of skilled care for children under 21 years who require medical attention and allows family members to be compensated for providing such care, thus enabling a more familial approach to healthcare for vulnerable children.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 1068 is largely positive, with advocates expressing appreciation for the support it provides to families. The measure is seen as an important step towards improving the quality of life for children requiring ongoing medical care, while also allowing family members to step into roles that they are well-suited for. However, some concerns may arise regarding the training and oversight necessary to ensure that family caregivers maintain appropriate standards of care, which could provide grounds for debate among legislators and stakeholders.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the responsibilities placed on supervising agencies regarding the oversight of licensed family members. There may be discussions surrounding the adequacy of training and resources available for family caregivers, as well as concerns about the potential for conflicts of interest when family members are also caregivers. The expectation that family members should adhere to medical training and the operational guidelines set for licensed caregivers suggests a necessary balance between familial affection and professional healthcare standards that will need to be navigated carefully.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2374

In licensing of health care facilities, further providing for licensure; and abrogating a regulation.

PA HB1564

Further providing for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist" and for restrictions on the use of title "Licensed Associate Professional Counselor"; further providing for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice; and providing for effect of associate licensure.

PA HB2517

In licensing of health care facilities, further providing for licensure; and abrogating a regulation.

PA SB1019

Further providing for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Associate Marriage and Family Therapist" and for restrictions on the use of title "Licensed Associate Professional Counselor"; further providing for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice; and providing for effect of associate licensure.

PA HB1398

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for exemption from licensure examination, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restriction on use of title "licensed professional art therapist" and related titles; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal, records and fees and for unlawful practice.

PA SB786

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for exemption from licensure examination, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restriction on use of title "licensed professional art therapist" and related titles; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal, records and fees and for unlawful practice.

PA HB1491

Further providing for definitions, for powers and duties of board, for training and license required and exceptions, for qualifications for license, examinations, failure of examinations, licensure without examination, issuing of license, foreign applicants for licensure, temporary license and perjury, for continuing education, for practice of physical therapy and for physical therapist assistant, education and examination, scope of duties and certification.

PA HB1241

Providing for the licensure of bodywork facilities; imposing powers and duties on the Department of State; and prescribing penalties.

PA SB1091

Further providing for legislative intent, for definitions, for license required, for State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors, for powers and functions of board, for qualifications for license, for procedures for licensing, for reciprocity, for endorsement of out-of-State licenses and for reinstatement of license; providing for restrictions on use of title "Licensed Recreational Therapist"; and further providing for penalties, for license renewal and records and fees and for unlawful practice.

PA HB327

Further providing for licensure of manager-barbers and barber-teachers.

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