A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES TO STUDY THE ARRAY OF SERVICES AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT OLDER ADULTS IN NORTH CAROLINA WHO LIVE INDEPENDENTLY AND TO REPORT FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Whereas, the General Assembly has a history established by G.S. 143B‑181.3 of supporting the independence of older adults; and
Whereas, there are concerns surrounding the provision of unregulated services to older adults in their homes given the General Assembly's expressed goal in G.S. 143B‑181.3 for older adults to live free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation; Now, therefore,
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.(a)  The Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation, and Division of Aging and Adult Services, shall jointly study the array of services available to older adults who live independently but need services to support and maintain their independence.
SECTION 1.(b)  The study shall examine the provision of the following services by a paid provider:
(1)	In‑home companion, sitter, and respite care services.
(2)	Meal preparation, cleaning and organizing, caring for pets, and other home management services.
(3)	Grocery shopping, retail shopping, and pickup and drop‑off of items such as library materials, mail, and donations.
(4)	Transportation to and from medical appointments, social events, and community activities.
SECTION 1.(c)  While conducting the study required by this section, the Division of Health Service Regulation, and the Division of Aging and Adult Services, shall seek input from the following stakeholder groups: North Carolina Coalition on Aging, AARP, and the Association for Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina.
SECTION 1.(d)  The Department shall make recommendations consistent with the General Assembly's findings in G.S. 143B‑181.3 that older adults should be able to live as independently as possible; to live free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation; and to have the opportunity to be involved in their communities; and, consistent with the requirements of G.S. 143B‑181.1A for periodic analysis of the needs of older adults, the services currently provided, and the need for additional services. The Department shall examine current statutes and rules pertaining to the provision of both existing and new emerging support services to independent older adults and determine the following:
(1)	Whether any changes are necessary to current statutes and rules to safely allow the provision of services listed in Section 1(b) of this act.
(2)	Whether providers of the services outlined in Section 1(b) of this act should be regulated or licensed by the State.
(3)	Whether any limitations, background checks, or safeguards are necessary for the provision of services outlined in Section 1(b) of this act.
SECTION 1.(e)  No later than September 1, 2024, the Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Health Service Regulation, and Division of Aging and Adult Services, shall report the findings of the study required by this section and make recommendations, including any necessary legislative action, to the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services.
SECTION 1.(f)  The Department of Health and Human Services is prohibited from pursuing changes to the items outlined in Section 1(d) of this act until after the General Assembly has received the report required by Section 1(e) of this act.
SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.