State rethinks work-hour rule for home-care providers

The Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities has pulled a controversial proposal that aimed to prohibit Medicaid-funded independent care-providers from being paid for more than 40 hours a week.

Public outcry over the proposed overtime rule was swift and sustained, with dozens of consumer advocates and families turning out during a hearing in February to oppose the change.

Officials decided against proceeding with the rule as written after that hearing, which included testimony from about 40 people who said the new rule would endanger the care and independence of many Ohioans with developmental disabilities. Nearly 100 others submitted written testimony.

“We had a couple meetings with people who had testified, people who had concerns,” John Martin, the department director, said Wednesday. “We’re looking at re-drafting.”

Read more: http://www.dispatch.com/news/20170405/state-rethinks-work-hour-rule-for-home-care-providers