Sec. 2. Long-term care direct care workers; study. Resolved: That the Department of Human Services shall conduct a study to examine:

1. Wage, benefit and reimbursement structures for direct care workers in:

A. Nursing facilities;

B. Residential care facilities; and

C. Home health care; and

2. Options to extend Medicaid or other health insurance coverage to direct care workers.

The department shall invite participation of and consultation with interested parties involved in long-term care or home health care during the course of the study. The department shall submit its report, including any necessary implementing legislation, to the Joint Standing Committee on Health and Human Services on or before December 1, 2003. The committee may report out legislation based on the report to the Second Regular Session of the 121st Legislature; and be it further

Sec. 3. Appropriations and allocations. Resolved: That the following appropriations and allocations are made.

HUMAN SERVICES, DEPARTMENT OF

Medical Care - Payments to

Providers (0147)

Initiative: Appropriates funds to increase wages and benefits for direct care, residential care and home care workers in the MaineCare program.

General Fund 2003-04 2004-05

All Other $2,300,400 $2,416,272

__________ __________

General Fund Total $2,300,400 $2,416,272

Federal Expenditures Fund 2003-04 2004-05