A Connecticut bill has been sent to the governor’s desk for his signature: It would bring significant new training and compliance requirements for homemaker-companion agencies beginning in late 2026 or 2027 — a proposal that is drawing both support and concern from the home care industry.
The legislation, known as HB 5143, would require agencies to provide annual paid training to homemaker-companion employees and formally attest to the state that they are meeting the new standards.
What the Bill Would Require
Under the proposal, homemaker-companion agencies would need to provide at least eight hours of annual training for both new and existing caregivers. Training would need to come from a state-approved list developed by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.
New employees would be required to complete training within 90 days of being hired unless they qualify for an exemption based on prior credentials or experience.
Topics under consideration include:
- Identifying abuse and neglect.
- Personal hygiene best practices.
- Infection control.
- Emergency preparedness.
- Communication and professionalism.
- Nutrition and safe mobility assistance.
- Recognizing changes in a client’s condition.
- CPR and first aid concepts.
The DCP commissioner would be responsible for developing the approved training list by Oct. 1, 2026, in consultation with several state agencies.
Agencies Would Face New Compliance Obligations
The bill also creates a new annual attestation process. Agencies would need to certify to the state that they are complying with training requirements, with the first attestation due January 1, 2027.
For home care operators, that could mean additional documentation, recordkeeping, and workforce management responsibilities — especially for agencies with large caregiver rosters or high turnover.
Supporters Say Standards Need Modernization
Supporters argue the legislation reflects the growing complexity of caring for older adults at home and the need for more consistent caregiver preparation statewide.
The bill comes as Connecticut continues broader discussions about oversight of homemaker-companion agencies and potential shifts in regulatory authority from the Department of Consumer Protection to the Department of Public Health.
Industry Leaders Raise Concerns
While many providers support stronger caregiver education, some industry leaders have warned that portions of the bill may impose burdens that do not align with the non-medical nature of homemaker-companion services.
In testimony submitted to lawmakers, representatives from the home care sector expressed concern about:
- The cost of expanded training mandates.
- Administrative tracking requirements.
- Potential staffing challenges.
- Medical-oriented training topics for non-medical caregivers.
Some agency owners also cautioned that additional mandates could increase operating costs at a time when providers are already struggling with caregiver recruitment and retention.
Why Home Care Agencies Should Watch This Bill
If Gov Ned Lamont signs the legislation, it could reshape onboarding, continuing education, and compliance operations for homemaker-companion agencies across Connecticut.
Agency leaders may need to:
- Budget for paid training hours.
- Implement stronger documentation systems.
- Revise orientation programs.
- Track annual education completion more closely.
- Prepare for additional state oversight.
For providers operating in multiple states, the bill may also signal a broader trend toward increased regulation and standardized training requirements in the non-medical home care sector.
