Direct Care Workforce Stabilization Board

The act creates the direct care workforce stabilization board (board) in the department of labor and employment (department) to review the direct care industry, which is the industry of workers who provide home-based or community-based direct care to individuals who require assistance in accomplishing activities of daily living. The act directs the board, at least once every 2 years, to review the direct care industry and develop recommendations for:

• Minimum employment standards for direct care workers based on information gathered through an investigation of the direct care industry market in relation to the Colorado labor market; and
• Improving state communications with direct care workers about their rights and the obligations of direct care employers.

The board must conduct public hearings to engage direct care workers, direct care employers, and direct care consumers in the development of the standards and recommendations for improved communications. The executive director of the department may direct the board to review minimum direct care employment standards more frequently.

The board must report any recommendations approved by at least 8 board members to the governor and specified committees of the general assembly by September 1, 2024, and at least every 2 years thereafter. Direct care employers are required to provide annual notices to direct care workers regarding:

• Their rights and the obligations of direct care employers under the act;
• Any minimum direct care employer standards and local jurisdiction employment standards applicable to direct care workers; and
• Contact information for obtaining assistance from the department.

Direct care employers are prohibited from retaliating against direct care workers for participating in board meetings and activities. The board is subject to a sunset review and repeal on September 1, 2029.

For the 2023-24 state fiscal year, the act appropriates:

• $186,876 from the general fund to the department of labor and employment for use by the executive director's office to implement the act; and
• $60,358 from the general fund and anticipates $60,358 in federal funds to the department of health care policy and financing to implement the act.

APPROVED by Governor June 5, 2023

EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023

NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)