RISKS OF PRIVATE HOME CARE SERVICES OFTEN OVERLOOKED

September 15, 2003
The National Private Duty Association (NPDA) today released a position paper outlining its concerns about consumer and worker risks associated with the use of nurse registries and independent contractor companies for home care services.

“This is one of the most important issues in home care,” said Sheila McMackin, NPDA President and owner of Wellspring Personal Care, a home care agency based in Chicago, IL. “The use of private home care services is soaring and many consumers do not understand the risks to which they or their loved one can be exposed to by companies that place care workers who are classified as independent contractors. The Association members are taking a stand for the protection of consumers and workers.”

The Association’s position paper details a number of areas where consumers and workers are put at risk including abuse and exploitation, worker related injuries, payroll taxes and supervision of caregivers who are independent contractors.

“One major concern is the problem of inadequate supervision,” said Allen Hager, legislative chair of NPDA and president of Right at Home. “When professionals in the home are placed as independent contractors, the agencies by law cannot train, schedule or supervise their work. This puts the consumers, especially frail seniors, at greater risk for physical, psychological and financial abuse.”

Another important issue noted by the position paper is the legal risk consumers face for non-payment of the required governmental taxes, including social security, unemployment taxes and workers’ compensation coverage for the worker.

Many consumers aren’t made aware by the home care companies who represent care workers that they are liable for these payments. This subjects the consumers to potentially devastating financial consequences if they are sued by injured workers or government entities trying to recoup back taxes and penalties.

With the number of consumers turning to home care to meet their long-term health care needs steadily climbing, the concerns about patient abuse and consumer and professional liability become increasingly critical to address. The Association’s position paper calls for action to be taken to protect consumers and workers in the home care industry.

“Together with our members we will be working at the grass roots level to provide consumers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions when selecting home care workers,” said McMackin. “The Association is dedicated to developing and promoting consumer and professional education programs, offering support to NPDA members and working with state representatives on home care legislation and regulation to protect consumers.”

The NPDA is a national voice for organizations that provide private home care services and is an advocate for services that protect and benefit consumers. The Association released the paper at the Private Duty Advanced Training VI Conference, a national conference for home health and home care agencies gathered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

A complete copy of the NPDA’s position paper can be found on the Association’s website at www.privatedutyhomecare.org or by calling (317) 844-7105.