Source: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=201520160AB1667
Timestamp: 2018-10-19 14:30:26
Document Index: 204145579

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 3', 'art 2', 'art 4', 'art 4']

Bill Text - AB-1667 Home Care Services Consumer Protection Act.
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AB-1667 Home Care Services Consumer Protection Act.(2015-2016)
AB1667:v98#DOCUMENT
An act to amend Sections 1796.12, 1796.14, 1796.17, 1796.22, 1796.24, 1796.29, 1796.32, 1796.33, 1796.34, 1796.36, 1796.37, 1796.38, 1796.40, 1796.41, 1796.42, 1796.43, 1796.44, 1796.45, 1796.47, 1796.49, 1796.51, 1796.52, 1796.55, and 1796.61 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to public health.
AB 1667, as amended, Dodd. Home Care Services Consumer Protection Act.
Existing law establishes the Home Care Services Consumer Protection Act, which provides for the licensure and regulation of home care organizations, as defined, by the State Department of Social Services, and for the registration of home care aides. Violation A violation of the act is a misdemeanor. Existing law requires background clearances for home care aides and home care organizations, as specified. Existing law authorizes an individual who possesses, among other things, a valid Alien Registration Card, and who has submitted an application, to initiate a background examination to be either a registered home care aide or to be a licensed home care organization.
This bill would, among other things, make the provisions of the act applicable to home care aide domestic referral agencies, as defined, including licensure, fees, enforcement and fines, and regulation of registered home care aides having agreements with those agencies. The bill would require a home care aide domestic referral agency to provide specified information to a person to whom a home care aide is referred, including specified information about the person’s potential employer responsibilities. The bill would authorize any individual who possesses either a valid Alien Registration Receipt Card or valid Permanent Resident Card to initiate a background examination to be either a registered home care aide or to be a licensed home care organization or a licensed home care aide domestic referral agency. The bill would also authorize a person who is a current licensee or employee in a facility licensed by the department, a certified foster parent, a certified administrator, or a registered TrustLine provider to transfer his or her current criminal record clearance or exemption for purposes of licensure under these provisions, as long as he or she fulfills certain requirements, including signing a declaration verifying his or her identity under the penalty of perjury. Because the bill creates new crimes by expanding the act to include home care aide referral agencies and requiring a specified declaration to be signed under the penalty of perjury, it would impose a state-mandated local program.
Section 1796.12 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
(f) “Family member” means any spouse, by marriage or otherwise, domestic partner, child or stepchild, by natural birth or by adoption, parent, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, parent-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nephew, niece, aunt, uncle, first cousin, or any person denoted by the prefix “grand” or “great,” or the spouse of any of these persons, even if the marriage has been terminated by death or dissolution.
(g) “Home care aide applicant” means an individual, 18 years of age or older, who is requesting to become a registered home care aide and the department has received and is processing the individual’s complete home care aide application and nonrefundable application fee.
(i) “Home care aide domestic referral agency” means an employment agency, as defined in Section 1812.5095 of the Civil Code and Section 687.2 of the Unemployment Insurance Code that offers, refers, provides, or attempts to provide work for an independent home care aide who is providing home care services, and shall be licensed pursuant to this chapter.
(j) “Home care aide domestic referral agency applicant” means an individual, 18 years of age or older, or a firm, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, joint venture, association, or other entity that is requesting to become a home care aide domestic referral agency licensee, and the department has received and is processing the complete home care aide domestic referral agency application and nonrefundable application fee.
(k) “Home care aide domestic referral agency application” means the official form, designated by the department, to request to become a licensed home care aide domestic referral agency.
(l) “Home care aide domestic referral agency licensee” means an individual, 18 years of age or older, firm, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, joint venture, association, or other entity having the authority and responsibility for the operation of a licensed home care aide domestic referral agency.
(m) “Home care aide registry” means a department-established and department-maintained Internet Web site of registered home care aides and home care aide applicants, that includes the individual’s name, registration number, registration status, registration expiration date, and, if applicable, one or both of the following:
(1) The home care organization or organizations with which the affiliated home care aide or affiliated home care aide applicant is associated.
(2) The home care aide domestic referral agency or organizations with which an independent home care aide is associated.
(n) “Home care organization” means an individual, 18 years of age or older, firm, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, joint venture, association, or other entity that arranges for home care services by an affiliated home care aide to a client, and is licensed pursuant to this chapter.
(o) “Home care organization applicant” means an individual, 18 years of age or older, or a firm, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, joint venture, association, or other entity where the individual or individuals applying for the license are 18 years of age or older and are requesting to become a home care organization licensee and the department has received and is processing the complete home care organization application and nonrefundable application fee.
(p) “Home care organization application” means the official form, designated by the department, to request to become a licensed home care organization.
(q) “Home care organization licensee” means an individual, 18 years of age or older, firm, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, joint venture, association, or other entity having the authority and responsibility for the operation or management of a licensed home care organization.
(r) “Home care services” means nonmedical services and assistance provided by a registered home care aide to a client who, because of advanced age or physical or mental disability, cannot perform these services. These services enable the client to remain in his or her residence and include, but are not limited to, assistance with the following: bathing, dressing, feeding, exercising, personal hygiene and grooming, transferring, ambulating, positioning, toileting and incontinence care, assisting with medication that the client self-administers, housekeeping, meal planning and preparation, laundry, transportation, correspondence, making telephone calls, shopping for personal care items or groceries, and companionship. This subdivision shall not authorize a registered home care aide to assist with medication that the client self-administers that would otherwise require administration or oversight by a licensed health care professional.
(s) “Independent home care aide” means an individual, 18 years of age or older, who is not employed by a home care organization, but who is listed on the home care aide registry and is providing home care services through a direct agreement with a client.
(t) “Registered home care aide” means an affiliated home care aide or independent home care aide who is 18 years of age or older and is listed on the home care aide registry.
Section 1796.14 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
(a) Individuals who are not employed by a home care organization or referred by a home care aide domestic referral agency but who provide home care services to a client may be listed on the home care aide registry.
(b) An affiliated home care aide shall be listed on the home care aide registry prior to providing home care services through a home care organization. An independent home care aide shall be listed on the home care aide registry prior to being referred by a home care aide domestic referral agency to a client.
(c) (1) Home care aides shall not include individuals who are providing home care services as part of their job duties through one of the following entities:
(D) In-home supportive services provided pursuant to Article 7 (commencing with Section 12300) of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of Division 9 of, or Section 14132.95, 14132.952, or 14132.956 of, the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(E) A community care facility licensed pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1500), a residential care facility for persons with chronic life-threatening illness licensed pursuant to Chapter 3.01 (commencing with Section 1568.01), a residential care facility for the elderly licensed pursuant to Chapter 3.2 (commencing with Section 1569), or a facility licensed pursuant to the California Child Day Care Facilities Act (Chapter 3.4 (commencing with Section 1596.70)), which includes day care centers, as described in Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 1596.90), family day care homes, as described in Chapter 3.6 (commencing with Section 1597.30), and employer-sponsored child care centers, as described in Chapter 3.65 (commencing with Section 1597.70).
(F) A clinic licensed pursuant to Section 1204 or 1204.1.
(G) A home medical device retail facility licensed pursuant to Section 111656.
(H) An organization vendored or contracted through a regional center or the State Department of Developmental Services pursuant to the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 4500) of Division 4.5 of the Welfare and Institutions Code) and the California Early Intervention Services Act (Title 14 (commencing with Section 95000) of the Government Code) to provide services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities, as defined in Section 4512 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, when funding for those services is provided through the State Department of Developmental Services and more than 50 percent of the recipients of the home care services provided by the organization are persons with developmental disabilities.
(I) An alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility as defined in Section 11834.02.
(J) A facility in which only Indian children who are eligible under the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.) are placed and is either of the following:
(i) An extended family member of the Indian child, as defined in Section 1903 of Title 25 of the United States Code.
(ii) A foster home that is licensed, approved, or specified by the Indian child’s tribe pursuant to Section 1915 of Title 25 of the United States Code.
(d) Home care aides shall not include a nonrelative extended family member, as defined in Section 362.7 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(e) In the event of a conflict between this chapter and a provision listed in subdivision (b), (c), or (d), the provision in subdivision (b), (c), or (d) shall control.
Section 1796.17 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
(a) Each home care organization and each home care aide domestic referral agency shall be separately licensed. This chapter does not prevent a licensee from obtaining more than one license or obtaining a license in addition to other licenses issued by the department, or both.
(b) A home care organization or a home care aide domestic referral agency does not include the following:
(1) A home health agency licensed under Chapter 8 (commencing with Section 1725).
(2) A hospice licensed under Chapter 8.5 (commencing with Section 1745).
(3) A health facility licensed under Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1250).
(4) A person who performs services through the In-Home Supportive Services program pursuant to Article 7 (commencing with Section 12300) of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of Division 9 of, or Section 14132.95, 14132.952, or 14132.956 of, the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(5) A home medical device retail facility licensed under Section 111656.
(6) An organization vendored or contracted through a regional center or the State Department of Developmental Services pursuant to the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act (Division 4.5 (commencing with Section 4500) of the Welfare and Institutions Code) and the California Early Intervention Services Act (Title 14 (commencing with Section 95000) of the Government Code) to provide services and supports for persons with developmental disabilities, as defined in Section 4512 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, when funding for those services is provided through the State Department of Developmental Services and more than 50 percent of the recipients of the home care services provided by the organization are persons with developmental disabilities.
(7) An employment agency, as defined in Section 1812.5095 of the Civil Code and Section 687.2 of the Unemployment Insurance Code, that procures, offers, refers, provides, or attempts to provide a domestic worker, except an employment agency that is a home care aide domestic referral agency as defined in subdivision (i) of Section 1796.12.
(8) A community care facility licensed pursuant to Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1500), a residential care facility for persons with chronic life-threatening illness licensed pursuant to Chapter 3.01 (commencing with Section 1568.01), a residential care facility for the elderly licensed pursuant to Chapter 3.2 (commencing with Section 1569), or a facility licensed pursuant to the California Child Day Care Facilities Act (Chapter 3.4 (commencing with Section 1596.70)), which includes day care centers, as described in Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 1596.90), family day care homes, as described in Chapter 3.6 (commencing with Section 1597.30), and employer-sponsored child care centers, as described in Chapter 3.65 (commencing with Section 1597.70).
(9) An alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facility as defined in Section 11834.02.
(10) A person providing services authorized pursuant to Section 2731 of the Business and Professions Code.
(11) A clinic licensed pursuant to Section 1204 or 1204.1.
(12) A nonrelative extended family member, as defined in Section 362.7 of the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(13) A facility providing home care services in which only Indian children who are eligible under the federal Indian Child Welfare Act (25 U.S.C. Sec. 1901 et seq.) are placed and which satisfies either of the following:
(14) Any other individual or entity providing services similar to those described in this chapter, as determined by the director.
(c) In the event of a conflict between this chapter and a provision listed in subdivision (b), the provision in subdivision (b) shall control.
Section 1796.22 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
Any individual who has submitted a home care aide application and who possesses any one of the following identification cards may initiate a background examination to be a registered home care aide:
(c) A valid Alien Registration Receipt Card or valid Permanent Resident Card.
(2) A person shall not be entitled to apply to be a registered home care aide and shall have his or her registration application returned without the right to appeal if the person would not be eligible to obtain a license pursuant to Section 1796.40 or 1796.41.
(b) (1) Before approving an individual for registration, the department shall check the individual’s criminal history pursuant to Section 1522. Upon completion of the searches of the state summary criminal offender record information and the records of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the home care aide applicant shall be issued a criminal record clearance or granted a criminal record exemption if grounds do not exist for denial pursuant to Section 1522. The department shall enter that finding in the person’s record in the home care aide registry and shall notify the person of the action. This person shall be known as a “registered home care aide.” If the home care aide applicant meets all of the conditions for registration, except receipt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s criminal offender record information search response, the department may issue a clearance if the home care aide applicant has signed and submitted a statement that he or she has never been convicted of a crime in the United States, other than a minor traffic violation. If, after approval, the department determines that the registrant has a criminal record, registration may be revoked pursuant to Section 1796.26.
(2) For purposes of compliance with this section, the department may permit a home care organization applicant, a home care aide domestic referral agency applicant, a home care organization licensee, or a home care aide domestic referral agency licensee to request the transfer of a home care aide’s current criminal record clearance or exemption for a licensed care facility issued by the department. A signed criminal record clearance or exemption transfer request shall be submitted to the department and shall include a copy of the person’s driver’s license or valid identification card issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, or a valid photo identification issued by another state or the United States government if the person is not a California resident. Upon request of the licensee or home care aide applicant, the department shall verify whether the individual has a clearance or exemption that can be transferred pursuant to the requirements of this chapter.
(a) (1) Establish and maintain on the department’s Internet Web site the registry of registered home care aides and home care aide applicants.
(2) To expedite the ability of a consumer to search and locate a registered home care aide or home care aide applicant, the Internet Web site shall enable consumers to look up the registration status by providing the registered home care aide’s or home care aide applicant’s name, registration number, registration status, registration expiration date, and, if applicable, the home care organization with which the affiliated home care aide is associated or the home care aide domestic referral agency with which the independent home care aide is associated.
(3) The Internet Web site shall not provide any additional, individually identifiable information about a registered home care aide or home care aide applicant. The department may request and may maintain additional information for registered home care aides or home care aide applicants, as necessary for the administration of this chapter, that shall not be publicly available on the home care aide registry.
(4) The Internet Web site shall distinguish between an affiliated and independent home care aide for purposes of informing potential consumers and the public of the differences between the two classifications.
(5) A home care aide may be registered simultaneously as an affiliated and independent home care aide, and may be affiliated with more than one home care organization simultaneously or associated with more than one home care aide domestic referral agency simultaneously. A registered home care aide may be affiliated with home care organizations and associated with home care aide domestic referral agencies simultaneously.
(b) Update the home care registry upon receiving notification from a home care organization or a home care aide domestic referral agency that the home care aide is no longer employed by the home care organization or associated with the home care domestic referral agency.
Section 1796.32 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
1796.32.
An individual who has submitted an application and who possesses any one of the following identification cards may initiate a background examination to be a licensed home care organization or a licensed home care aide domestic referral agency:
(c) A valid Alien Registration Receipt Card or a valid Permanent Resident Card.
Section 1796.33 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
(a) To obtain a home care organization license or a home care aide domestic referral agency license, the following individual or individuals shall consent to the background examination described in Section 1796.23:
(1) The owner of the applicant, if the owner is an individual.
(2) If the owner of the applicant is a corporation, limited liability company, joint venture, association, or other entity, an individual having a 10-percent or greater ownership in that entity and the chief executive officer or other person serving in a similar capacity. The department shall not issue a provisional license or license to any corporate home care organization applicant that has a member of the board of directors, executive director, or officer who is not eligible for licensure pursuant to Sections 1796.40 and 1796.41.
(b) A person who is a current licensee or employee in a facility licensed by the department, a certified foster parent, a certified administrator, or a registered TrustLine provider may transfer his or her current criminal record clearance or exemption for purposes of licensure pursuant to this chapter pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1522. The person shall, instead, submit to the department, along with the person’s application, a copy of his or her identification card, as required pursuant to Section 1522, and a declaration verifying the person’s identity that is signed under penalty of perjury.
Section 1796.34 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
(a) A person or a private or public organization, with the exception of any person who performs in-home supportive services through the In-Home Supportive Services program pursuant to Article 7 (commencing with Section 12300) of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, or Section 14132.95, 14132.952, or 14132.956 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and the exceptions provided for in subdivision (c), shall not do any of the following, unless he, she, or it is a licensed home care organization licensed pursuant to this chapter:
(1) Own, manage, or represent himself, herself, or itself to be a home care organization by name, advertising, solicitation, or any other presentments to the public or, in the context of services within the scope of this chapter, imply that he, she, or it is licensed to provide those services or to make any reference to employee bonding in relation to those services.
(b) A person or a private or public organization, except a county providing in-home supportive services pursuant to Article 7 (commencing with Section 12300) of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code, and the exceptions provided for in subdivision (c), shall not do either of the following, unless it is a licensed home care aide domestic referral agency:
(1) Represent himself, herself, or itself to be a home care aide domestic referral agency by name, advertising, soliciting, or any other presentment to the public or, in the context of services within the scope of this chapter, imply that he, she, or it is licensed to provide those services or to make any reference to an employment agency or bonding in relation to those services.
(2) Include in its name the term “home care aide domestic referral agency,” “home care organization,” “home care,” “in-home care,” or any combination of those terms.
(c) (1) This section does not apply to a person who performs in-home supportive services through the In-Home Supportive Services program pursuant to Article 7 (commencing with Section 12300) of Chapter 3 of Part 3 of Division 9 of, or Section 14132.95, 14132.952, or 14132.956 of, the Welfare and Institutions Code.
(2) Subdivision (a) does not apply to a home care aide domestic referral agency organization.
(3) Subdivision (b) does not apply to a home care organization.
Section 1796.36 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
(a) A home care organization or a home care aide domestic referral agency that has its principal place of business in another state, in addition to the other requirements of this chapter, before arranging for home care services provided by a registered home care aide to a client in the state, shall comply with all of the following:
(2) Maintain all pertinent records of the operation in California at the California office. All records shall be available to review, copy, audit, and inspect by the department.
(b) If the home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency is a foreign corporation, foreign limited liability company, foreign limited partnership, foreign association, or a foreign limited liability partnership, as defined in Sections 170, 171, 171.03, 171.05, and 16101 of the Corporations Code, before arranging for home care services provided by a registered home care aide to a client in the state, the home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency shall have an office in California and shall comply with both of the following:
Section 1796.37 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
(a) The department shall issue a home care organization license to a home care organization applicant that satisfies the requirements set forth in this chapter, including all of the following:
(1) Files a complete home care organization application, including the fees required pursuant to Section 1796.49.
(2) Submits proof of general and professional liability insurance in the amount of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and three million dollars ($3,000,000) in the aggregate.
(3) Submits proof of a valid workers’ compensation policy covering its affiliated home care aides. The proof shall consist of the policy number, the effective and expiration dates of the policy, and the name and address of the policy carrier.
(4) Submits proof of an employee dishonesty bond, including third-party coverage, with a minimum limit of ten thousand dollars ($10,000). This proof shall be submitted at each subsequent renewal.
(5) Provides the department, upon request, with a complete list of its affiliated home care aides, and proof that each satisfies the requirements of Sections 1796.43, 1796.44, and 1796.45.
(6) Passes a background examination, as required pursuant to Section 1796.33.
(7) Completes a department orientation.
(8) Does not have any outstanding fees or civil penalties due to the department.
(9) Discloses prior or present service as an administrator, general partner, corporate officer, or director of, or discloses that he or she has held or holds a beneficial ownership of 10 percent or more in, any of the following:
(A) A community care facility, as defined in Section 1502.
(B) A residential care facility, as defined in Section 1568.01.
(C) A residential care facility for the elderly, as defined in Section 1569.2.
(D) A child day care facility, as defined in Section 1596.750.
(E) A day care center, as described in Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 1596.90).
(F) A family day care home, as described in Chapter 3.6 (commencing with Section 1597.30).
(G) An employer-sponsored child care center, as described in Chapter 3.65 (commencing with Section 1597.70).
(H) A home care organization licensed pursuant to this chapter.
(10) Discloses any revocation or other disciplinary action taken, or in the process of being taken, against a license held or previously held by the entities specified in paragraph (9).
(11) Provides evidence that every member of the board of directors, if applicable, understands his or her legal duties and obligations as a member of the board of directors and that the home care organization’s operation is governed by laws and regulations that are enforced by the department.
(12) Provides any other information as may be required by the department for the proper administration and enforcement of this chapter.
(13) Cooperates with the department in the completion of the home care organization license application process. Failure of the home care organization licensee to cooperate may result in the withdrawal of the home care organization license application. “Failure to cooperate” means that the information described in this chapter and in any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter has not been provided, or not been provided in the form requested by the department, or both.
(b) A home care organization licensee shall renew the home care organization license every two years. The department may renew a home care organization license if the licensee satisfies the requirements set forth in this chapter, including all of the following:
(1) Files a complete home care organization license renewal application, including the nonrefundable fees required pursuant to Section 1796.49, both of which shall be postmarked on or before the expiration of the license.
(4) Submits proof of an employee dishonesty bond, including third-party coverage, with a minimum limit of ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
(5) Does not have any outstanding fees or civil penalties due to the department.
(6) Provides any other information as may be required by the department for the proper administration and enforcement of this chapter.
(7) Cooperates with the department in the completion of the home care organization license renewal process. Failure of the home care organization licensee to cooperate may result in the withdrawal of the home care organization license renewal application. “Failure to cooperate” means that the information described in this chapter and in any rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter has not been provided, or not provided in the form requested by the department, or both.
(c) (1) The department shall notify a licensed home care organization in writing of its registration expiration date and the process of renewal.
(2) Written notification pursuant to this subdivision shall be mailed to the registered home care organization’s mailing address of record at least 60 days before the registration expiration date.
(d) The department shall issue a home care aide domestic referral agency license to a home care aide domestic referral agency applicant that satisfies the requirements set forth in this chapter, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
(1) Files a complete home care aide domestic referral agency application, including payment of the fees required pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1796.49.
(3) Submits evidence of compliance with the bond requirements in accordance with Section 1812.503 of the Civil Code.
(4) Provides, if requested by the department, a list of independent home care aides receiving referrals from the home care aide domestic referral agency and proof that each of them satisfies the requirements of Sections 1796.43, 1796.44, and 1796.45.
(5) The owner or owners of the home care aide domestic referral agency pass a background examination pursuant to Section 1796.33.
(6) Is current in full payment of all fees or civil penalties that the applicant owed the department.
(7) Completes an orientation provided by the department.
(8) Discloses prior or present service as an administrator, general partner, corporate officer, or director of, or discloses that he or she has held or holds a beneficial ownership of 10 percent or more in, any of the following:
(H) A home care aide domestic referral agency licensed pursuant to this chapter.
(9) Discloses any revocation or other disciplinary action taken, or in the process of being taken, against a license held or previously held by an entity specified in paragraph (8).
(10) Provides evidence that every member of the board of directors, if applicable, understands his or her legal duties and obligations as a member of the board of directors and that the home care aide domestic referral agency’s operation is governed by laws and regulations that are enforced by the department.
(11) Provides any other information required by the department for the proper administration and enforcement of this chapter.
(12) (A) Cooperates with the department in the completion of the home care aide domestic referral agency license application process.
(B) The department may withdraw a home care aide domestic referral agency license application if the applicant fails to cooperate with the department in the application process. “Fails to cooperate” means that the information described in this chapter and in any rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter has not been provided, or not provided in the form requested by the department, or both.
(e) A home care aide domestic referral agency licensee shall renew the home care aide domestic referral agency license every two years. The department may renew a home care aide domestic referral agency license if the licensee satisfies the requirements set forth in this chapter, including, but not limited to, all of the following:
(1) Files a complete home care aide domestic referral agency license renewal application, including payment of the nonrefundable fees required pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1796.49, both of which shall be postmarked on or before the license expiration date.
(3) Submits evidence of compliance with the bond requirements, in accordance with Section 1812.503 of the Civil Code.
(4) Is current in payment in full of any fees or civil penalties due to the department.
(5) Provides any other information required by the department for the proper administration and enforcement of this chapter.
(6) (A) Cooperates with the department in the completion of the home care aide domestic referral agency license renewal process.
(B) The department may withdraw an application for a renewal of a home care aide domestic referral agency license if the applicant fails to cooperate with the department in the application process. “Fails to cooperate” means that the information described in this chapter and in any rules and regulations adopted pursuant to this chapter has not been provided, or not been provided in the form requested by the department, or both.
(f) (1) The department shall notify a licensed home care aide domestic referral agency in writing of its registration expiration date and the process to renew a license.
(2) Written notification pursuant to this subdivision shall be mailed to the registered home care aide domestic referral agency’s mailing address of record at least 60 days before the registration expiration date.
(g) Each home care aide domestic referral agency shall be separately licensed.
(h) This chapter does not prevent a licensee from obtaining more than one home care aide domestic referral agency license or obtaining a home care aide domestic referral agency license in addition to another license issued by the department, or both.
Section 1796.38 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
The department may deny an application for licensure or suspend or revoke any license issued pursuant to this chapter, pursuant to Sections 1550.5 and 1551 and in the manner provided in this chapter on any of the following grounds:
(a) Violation by the licensee of this chapter or of the rules and regulations promulgated under this chapter.
(c) Conduct that is inimical to the health, morals, welfare, or safety of either an individual receiving home care services or the people of the State of California.
(d) The conviction of a licensee, or other person mentioned in Section 1522, at any time before or during licensure, of a crime described in Section 1522.
(e) Engaging in acts of financial malfeasance concerning the operation of a home care organization or a home care aide domestic referral agency.
Section 1796.40 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
1796.40.
(a) (1) If an application for a license under this chapter indicates, or the department determines during the application review process, that the home care organization applicant or the home care aide domestic referral agency applicant was previously issued a license under this chapter or under Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1200), Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1250), Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1500), Chapter 3.01 (commencing with Section 1568.01), Chapter 3.2 (commencing with Section 1569), Chapter 3.4 (commencing with Section 1596.70), Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 1596.90), Chapter 3.6 (commencing with Section 1597.30), or Chapter 3.65 (commencing with Section 1597.70), and the prior license was revoked within the preceding two years, the department shall cease any further review of the application until two years have elapsed from the date of the revocation. A home care organization or a home care aide domestic referral agency is exempt from the health planning requirements contained in Part 2 (commencing with Section 127125) of Division 107.
(2) If an application for a license indicates, or the department determines during the application review process, that the applicant previously was issued a certificate of approval by a foster family agency that was revoked by the department pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1534 within the preceding two years, the department shall cease any further review of the application until two years have elapsed from the date of the revocation.
(3) If an application for a license indicates, or the department determines during the application review process, that the applicant was excluded from a facility licensed by the department pursuant to Section 1558, 1568.092, 1569.58, or 1596.8897, the department shall cease any further review of the application unless the excluded individual has been reinstated pursuant to Section 11522 of the Government Code by the department.
(b) If an application for a license indicates, or the department determines during the application review process, that the applicant had previously applied for a license pursuant to any of the chapters listed in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) and the application was denied within the last year, the department shall cease further review of the application until one year has elapsed from the date of the denial letter. In those circumstances in which denials are appealed and upheld at an administrative hearing, review of the application shall cease for one year from the date of the decision and order of the department.
(c) If an application for a license indicates, or the department determines during the application review process, that the applicant had previously applied for a certificate of approval with a foster family agency and the department ordered the foster family agency to deny the application pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1534, the department shall cease further review of the application as follows:
(1) In cases where the applicant petitioned for a hearing, the department shall cease further review of the application until one year has elapsed from the effective date of the decision and order of the department upholding the denial.
(d) Cessation of review pursuant to this section does not constitute a denial of the application.
Section 1796.41 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
(a) (1) If the department determines that a person was issued a license pursuant to this chapter or Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 1200), Chapter 2 (commencing with Section 1250), Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 1500), Chapter 3.01 (commencing with Section 1568.01), Chapter 3.2 (commencing with Section 1569), Chapter 3.4 (commencing with Section 1596.70), Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 1596.90), Chapter 3.6 (commencing with Section 1597.30), or Chapter 3.65 (commencing with Section 1597.70), and the prior license was revoked within the preceding two years, the department shall exclude the person from acting as, and require the home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency to remove him or her from his or her position as, a member of the board of directors, an executive director, or an officer of a licensee of a home care organization or a home care aide domestic referral agency licensed by the department pursuant to this chapter.
(2) If the department determines that a person was previously issued a certificate of approval by a foster family agency that was revoked by the department pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1534 within the preceding two years, the department shall exclude the person from acting as, and require the home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency to remove him or her from his or her position as, a member of the board of directors, an executive director, or an officer of a licensee of, a home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency licensed by the department pursuant to this chapter.
(b) If the department determines that the person had previously applied for a license under any of the chapters listed in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) and the application was denied within the last year, the department shall exclude the person from acting as, and require the home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency to remove him or her from his or her position as, a member of the board of directors, an executive director, or an officer of a licensee of a home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency licensed by the department pursuant to this chapter as follows:
(1) In cases in which the home care organization applicant or home care aide domestic referral agency applicant petitioned for a hearing, the department shall exclude the person from acting as, and require the home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency to remove him or her from his or her position as, a member of the board of directors, an executive director, or an officer of a licensee of, a home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency licensed by the department pursuant to this chapter until one year has elapsed from the effective date of the decision and order of the department upholding a denial.
(2) In cases in which the department informed the home care organization applicant or home care aide domestic referral agency applicant of his or her right to petition for a hearing and the home care organization applicant or home care aide domestic referral agency applicant did not petition for a hearing, the department shall exclude the person from acting as, and require the home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency to remove him or her from his or her position as, a member of the board of directors, an executive director, or an officer of a licensee of, a home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency licensed by the department pursuant to this chapter until one year has elapsed from the date of the notification of the denial and the right to petition for a hearing.
(c) If the department determines that the person had previously applied for a certificate of approval with a foster family agency and the department ordered the foster family agency to deny the application pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1534, the department shall exclude the person from acting as, and require the home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency to remove him or her from his or her position as, a member of the board of directors, an executive director, or an officer of a licensee of, a home care or home care aide domestic referral agency licensed by the department pursuant to this chapter and as follows:
(1) If the home care organization applicant or home care aide domestic referral agency applicant petitioned for a hearing, the department shall exclude the person from acting as, and require the home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency to remove him or her from his or her position as, a member of the board of directors, an executive director, or an officer of a licensee of, a home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency licensed by the department pursuant to this chapter until one year has elapsed from the effective date of the decision and order of the department upholding a denial.
(2) If the department informed the home care organization applicant or home care aide domestic referral agency applicant of his or her right to petition for a hearing and the home care organization applicant or home care aide domestic referral agency applicant did not petition for a hearing, the department shall exclude the person from acting as, and require the home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency to remove him or her from his or her position as, a member of the board of directors, an executive director, or an officer of a licensee of, a home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency licensed by the department pursuant to this chapter until one year has elapsed from the date of the notification of the denial and the right to petition for a hearing.
(d) Exclusion or removal of an individual pursuant to this section shall not be considered an order of exclusion for purposes of Section 1796.25 or any other law.
(e) The department may determine not to exclude a person from acting, or require that he or she be removed from his or her position, as a member of the board of directors, an executive director, or an officer of a licensee of, a home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency licensed by the department pursuant to this chapter if it has been determined that the reasons for the denial of the application or revocation of the facility license or certificate of approval were due to circumstances or conditions that either have been corrected or are no longer in existence.
Section 1796.42 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
(a) A home care organization licensee and a home care domestic referral agency licensee shall do all of the following:
(1) Post its license, business hours, and any other information required by the department in its place of business in a conspicuous location, visible both to clients and registered home care aides.
(2) Report any suspected or known dependent adult or elder abuse as required by Section 15630 of the Welfare and Institutions Code and suspected or known child abuse as required by Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code. A copy of each suspected abuse report shall be maintained and available for review by the department during normal business hours.
(b) In addition to the requirements of subdivision (a), a home care organization licensee shall do all of the following:
(1) Maintain and abide by a valid workers’ compensation policy covering its affiliated home care aides.
(2) Maintain and abide by an employee dishonesty bond, including third-party coverage, with a minimum limit of ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
(3) Maintain proof of general and professional liability insurance in the amount of at least one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and three million dollars ($3,000,000) in the aggregate.
(4) Report any suspected or known dependent adult or elder abuse as required by Section 15630 of the Welfare and Institutions Code and suspected or known child abuse as required by Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code. A copy of each suspected abuse report shall be maintained and available for review by the department during normal business hours.
(c) In addition to the requirements of subdivision (a), a home care aide domestic referral agency licensee shall do all of the following:
(1) Comply with the bond requirements included in Section 1812.503 of the Civil Code.
(2) Orally communicate to the person seeking home care aide services the disclosure set forth in this paragraph prior to the referral of the home care aide:
“(Name of the home care aide domestic referral agency) is not the employer of the domestic worker that it referred to you. Depending on your arrangement with the domestic worker, you may have employer responsibilities.”
(3) Within three business days after the home care aide domestic referral agency refers a registered home care aide to the person seeking home care aide services, mail to the person seeking services the following both of the following:
(A) Employment Development Department Information Sheet DE 231L on “Household Employment.”
(B) A statement printed in not less than 10-point type and in bold or italic:
“(Name of the home care aide domestic referral agency) is not the employer of the domestic worker it referred to you. The domestic worker may be your employee or an independent contractor depending on the relationship you have with him or her. If you direct and control the manner and means by which the domestic worker performs his or her work, you may have employer responsibilities, including employment taxes and workers’ compensation, under state and federal law. For additional information contact your local Employment Development Department office and the federal Internal Revenue Service. You may contact the Employment Development Department at 800-300-5616 or www.edd.ca.gov. You may contact the federal Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-3676 or www.irs.gov.
If an employment relationship is established between you and a home care aide referred to you by (name of home care aide domestic referral agency) you must register with the Employment Development Department as a household employer within 15 days after you have paid seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) or more in total cash wages in a calendar quarter to the home care aide. To assist you, you may request, in writing, that (name of home care aide domestic referral agency) provide you with a statement of payments made on your behalf through the home care aide domestic referral agency’s designated trust account. (Name of home care aide domestic referral agency) is a referral agency and does not employ, control, or train any home care aide it refers.”
(4) A home care aide domestic referral agency shall mail to a client who has not terminated referral services within 14 business days following mailing of the client disclosure pursuant to paragraph (3) the following both of the following:
“(Name of the home care aide domestic referral agency) is not the employer of the domestic worker it referred to you. (Name of home care aide domestic referral agency) is a referral agency and does not employ, control, or train any home care aide it refers. The domestic worker may be your employee or an independent contractor depending on the relationship you have with him or her. If you direct and control the manner and means by which the domestic worker performs his or her work, you may have employer responsibilities, including employment taxes and workers’ compensation, under state and federal law. For additional information contact your local Employment Development Department office and the federal Internal Revenue Service. You may contact the Employment Development Department at 800-300-5616 or www.edd.ca.gov. You may contact the federal Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-3676 or www.irs.gov.
If an employment relationship is established between you and a home care aide referred to you by (name of home care aide domestic referral agency) you must register with the Employment Development Department as a household employer within 15 days after you have paid seven hundred fifty dollars ($750) or more in total cash wages in a calendar quarter to the a home care aide. To assist you, you may request, in writing, that (name of home care aide domestic referral agency) provide you with a statement of payments made on your behalf through the home care aide domestic referral agency’s designated trust account.”
(5) In any paid advertising brochure or the home care aide domestic referral agency’s Internet Web site promoting the home care aide domestic referral agency’s services, insert the following statement, in no less than 10-point type and in a color that contrasts with the background so it is easily legible:
“(Name of the home care aide domestic referral agency) is a referral agency.” agency. Depending on the employment arrangement, an individual hiring a home care aide through a referral agency may take on employer responsibilities. For additional information, contact your local Employment Development Department office and the federal Internal Revenue Service.”
(6) On the home care aide domestic referral agency’s Internet Web site promoting the home care aide domestic referral agency’s services, insert the following statement, in no less than 10-point type and in a color that contrasts with the background so it is easily legible:
“(Name of the home care aide domestic referral agency) is a referral agency. Depending on the employment arrangement, an individual hiring a home care aide through a referral agency may take on employer responsibilities. For additional information, contact your local Employment Development Department office and the federal Internal Revenue Service. You may contact the Employment Development Department at 800-300-5616 or www.edd.ca.gov. You may contact the federal Internal Revenue Service at 1-800-829-3676 or www.irs.gov.”
(7) Provide, upon receipt of a written request from a client for whom an independent home care aide provided the client services, up to three years from the date of the request, a statement of payments made through the agency’s designated trust account on behalf of the client to the registered home care aide.
Section 1796.43 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
1796.43.
(a) A home care organization that employs an affiliated home care aide or a home care aide domestic referral agency that refers a home care aide shall ensure the home care aide is cleared on the home care aide registry before placing the individual in direct contact with a client. In addition, the home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency shall do all of the following:
(1) Ensure any staff person, volunteer, or employee who has contact with clients, prospective clients, or confidential client information that may pose a risk to the clients’ health and safety has met the requirements of Sections 1796.23, 1796.24, 1796.25, 1796.26, and 1796.28 before there is contact with clients or prospective clients or access to confidential client information.
(3) Immediately notify the department when the home care organization no longer employs an individual as an affiliated home care aide, or a home care aide domestic referral agency removes an independent home care aide from its referral list.
(b) This section shall not prevent a licensee from requiring a criminal record clearance of any individual exempt from the requirements of this section.
Section 1796.44 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
(a) A licensee shall ensure that prior to providing home care services, an affiliated home care aide shall complete the training requirements specified in subdivisions (b) and (c). A home care aide domestic referral agency shall ensure, prior to that person being referred to a client, that a registered home care aide demonstrate proficiency as provided in subdivision (d).
(2) How to provide for, and respond to, a client’s daily living needs.
(d) (1) An independent home care aide who is being referred by a home care aide domestic referral agency shall do all of the following:
(A) Annually complete a proficiency exam that includes all of the following topics:
(i) Client rights and safety.
(ii) Providing and responding to daily living needs.
(iii) Detecting, reporting, and preventing abuse and neglect.
(iv) Assisting with personal hygiene.
(v) Safely transporting clients, if transportation services are provided by the registered home care aide.
(B) Provide verifiable references demonstrating that the home care aide has the necessary experience to provide home care services.
(2) An independent home care aide who does not complete the proficiency exam shall not be eligible for referral to a prospective client.
(3) The proficiency exam provided shall include home care services related topics described in this subdivision and may be provided through an online proficiency examination or a written proficiency examination.
(e) The entry-level training and annual training described in subdivisions (b) and (c) may be completed through an online training program.
(f) A registered home care aide who possesses a current and valid certification from the State Department of Public Health as a Certified Nurse Assistant or Certified Home Health Aide is exempt from the requirements of subdivisions (c) and (d).
Section 1796.45 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
(a) Affiliated home care aides hired on or after January 1, 2016, or a registered home care aide entering into an agreement with a home care aide domestic referral agency after January 1, 2017, shall submit to an examination 90 days prior to employment or the effective date of the agreement, or within seven days after employment or the effective date of the agreement, to determine that the individual is free of active tuberculosis disease.
(b) For purposes of this section, “examination” means a test for tuberculosis infection that is recommended by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and licensed by the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and, if that test is positive, an X-ray of the lungs. The aide shall not work as a registered home care aide unless the licensee obtains documentation from a licensed medical professional that there is no risk of spreading the disease.
(c) After submitting to an examination, a home care aide whose test for tuberculosis infection is negative shall be required to undergo an examination at least once every two years. Once a home care aide has a documented positive test for tuberculosis infection that has been followed by an X-ray, the examination is no longer required.
(d) After each examination, a home care aide shall submit, and the home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency shall keep on file, a certificate from the examining practitioner showing that the home care aide was examined and found free from active tuberculosis disease.
(e) The examination is a condition of initial and continuing employment with the home care organization. The examination is also a condition of a registered home care aide’s initial and continuing agreement with a home care aide domestic referral agency.
(f) A home care aide who transfers employment from one home care organization to another or a registered home care aide entering into an agreement with a home care aide domestic referral agency shall be deemed to meet the requirements of subdivision (a) or (c) if the home care aide can produce a certificate showing that he or she submitted to the examination within the past two years and was found to be free of active tuberculosis disease, or if it is verified by the home care organization previously employing him or her or by the home care aide domestic referral agency that previously had an agreement with him or her that the home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency has a certificate on file that contains that showing and a copy of the certificate is provided to the new home care organization or to the home care aide domestic referral agency prior to the affiliated home care aide beginning employment or prior to a referral of the independent home care aide by the home care aide domestic referral agency.
Section 1796.47 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
(a) (1) Administration of this program shall be fully supported by fees and not civil penalties. Initial costs to implement this chapter may be provided through a General Fund loan that is to be repaid in accordance with a schedule provided by the Department of Finance. The department shall assess fees for home care organization and home care aide domestic referral agency licensure, and home care aide registration related to activities authorized by this chapter. The department may adjust fees as necessary to fully support the administration of this chapter. Except for General Fund moneys that are otherwise transferred or appropriated for the initial costs of administering this chapter, or penalties collected pursuant to this chapter that are appropriated by the Legislature for the purposes of this chapter, no General Fund moneys shall be used for any purpose under this chapter.
(b) The Home Care Fund is hereby created within the State Treasury for the purpose of this chapter. All licensure and registration fees authorized by this chapter shall be deposited into the Home Care Fund, except the fingerprint fees collected pursuant to Section 1796.23, which shall be deposited into the Fingerprint Fees Account. Moneys in this fund shall, upon appropriation by the Legislature, be made available to the department for purposes of administering this chapter.
(c) Any fines and penalties collected pursuant to this chapter shall be deposited into the Home Care Technical Assistance Fund, which is hereby created as a subaccount within the Home Care Fund. Moneys in the Home Care Technical Assistance Fund shall, upon appropriation by the Legislature, be available to the department for the purposes of providing technical assistance, training, and education pursuant to this chapter.
Section 1796.49 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
(1) A nonrefundable 24-month initial license fee, as prescribed by the department, for a licensee not currently licensed to provide home care services in the state.
(2) A two-year nonrefundable renewal fee, as determined by the department, based on the number of full-time equivalents (FTEs), including paid personnel or contractors needed to oversee the enforcement of this chapter.
(b) A home care aide domestic referral agency licensee shall pay the following fees to the department:
(1) A 24-month initial license fee, as prescribed by the department in an amount sufficient to cover the reasonable costs of administering the program, for a new home care aide domestic referral agency licensee not currently licensed to provide home care services in the state.
(2) A two-year renewal fee, as determined by the department in an amount sufficient to cover the reasonable costs of administering the program, based on the number of office locations operated by the licensee providing registered home care aides to clients.
(c) The fees collected shall be deposited into the Home Care Fund pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1796.47, except the fingerprint fees collected pursuant to Section 1796.23, which shall be deposited into the Fingerprint Fees Account.
Section 1796.51 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
To carry out the provisions of this chapter, the department may establish procedures for the receipt, investigation, and resolution of a complaint against a home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency.
Section 1796.52 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
(a) The department may review and, if it determines necessary, investigate a complaint filed against a home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency regarding violations of this chapter or any rules or regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter.
(b) The department shall verify through random, unannounced inspections that a home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency meets the requirements of this chapter and the rules and regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter.
(c) An investigation or inspection conducted by the department pursuant to this chapter may include, but is not limited to, inspection of the books, records, or premises of a home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency. An organization’s or agency’s refusal to make records, books, or premises available shall constitute cause for the revocation of the organization’s or agency’s license.
(e) Upon receipt of a report of suspected or known abuse, as set forth in subdivision (e) of Section 1796.42, the department shall cross-report the suspected or known abuse to local law enforcement and Adult Protective Services if the alleged victim is 18 years of age or older, or local law enforcement and Child Protective Services if the alleged victim is under 18 years of age. Other than the cross-reporting required by this subdivision, the department shall not be required to investigate suspected or known abuse or have other responsibilities related to the suspected or known abuse. This subdivision shall not supersede the existing duty of home health aides and home health agencies as mandated reporters to report directly to local law enforcement or county adult protective services pursuant to Section 15630.
Section 1796.55 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
(a) A home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency that operates in violation of any requirement or obligation imposed by this chapter or any rule or regulation promulgated pursuant to this chapter may be subject to the fines levied or licensure action taken by the department as specified in this chapter.
(b) When the department determines that a home care organization or home care aide domestic referral agency is in violation of this chapter or any rules or regulations promulgated pursuant to this chapter, a notice of violation shall be served upon the licensee. Each notice of violation shall be prepared in writing and shall specify the nature of the violation and the statutory provision, rule, or regulation alleged to have been violated. The notice shall inform the licensee of any action the department may take pursuant to this chapter, including the requirement of a plan of correction, assessment of a penalty, or action to suspend, revoke, or deny renewal of the license. The director or his or her designee shall also inform the licensee of rights to a hearing pursuant to this chapter.
Section 1796.61 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:
(d) A home care aide domestic referral agency applicant who submits an application prior to January 1, 2017, shall be authorized to provide home care services without meeting the requirement of Section 1796.45, provided the requirements of that section are met no later than July 1, 2017.
(e) An applicant described in subdivision (d) shall meet all the requirements of this chapter no later than July 1, 2017, in order to continue to provide home care services.