HOUSE BILL 88

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2014

INTRODUCED BY

Kelly K. Fajardo

AN ACT

RELATING TO HEALTH CARE; PROVIDING FOR VOLUNTARY CREDENTIALING FOR PROFESSIONAL DIRECT HOME CARE SERVICES PROVIDERS BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH; PROVIDING FOR RULEMAKING AND FEES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     SECTION 1. [NEW MATERIAL] PROFESSIONAL DIRECT HOME CARE SERVICES--CERTIFICATION--STANDARDS--FEES.--

          A. The secretary shall establish a program pursuant to which professional direct home care providers may voluntarily receive credentialing after meeting department requirements for credentialing.

          B. In consultation with a statewide membership organization with experience in representing professional direct home care providers, the secretary shall adopt and promulgate rules to establish standards and procedures for the credentialing of professional direct home care providers. Standards for credentialing professional direct home care providers shall include:

                (1) meeting minimum requirements for training in key competencies; and

                (2) accreditation by a national professional direct home care services accrediting body.

          C. A professional direct home care provider who makes an application pursuant to department rules for credentialing shall provide to the department proof of having fulfilled a department-approved course of study that meets standards that the department has established by rule.

          D. The department may charge fees necessary to cover the costs of administering the credentialing program established pursuant to this section.

          E. For the purposes of this section:

                (1) "department" means the department of health;

                (2) "professional direct home care provider" means an individual who provides professional direct home care services;

                (3) "professional direct home care services" means services provided by an individual who performs those services in a residential setting for pay, including:

                     (a) personal care, including dressing, bathing, eating, ambulating, toileting and maintenance of hygiene;

                     (b) administration of medication; or

                     (c) meal preparation; and

                (4) "secretary" means the secretary of health.

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