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HB 1161

Licensure of home health aides.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Robin Shackleford

HB 1161 requires Indiana home health aides to obtain state licensure through standardized training and testing, improving care quality while potentially increasing costs and access barriers for workers and patients.

Authored by Representative Shackleford
#agencies;departmentofhealth(idoh) #healthcareprofessionals;licensing(includingbehavioralandmentalhealth) #health;homehealthcare
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Bill Summary · HB 1161

Legislative bill overview

HB 1161 establishes a licensure system for home health aides in Indiana, creating standardized credentials and regulatory requirements for workers providing in-home care services. The bill would implement training standards, competency assessments, and oversight mechanisms for this workforce currently operating with minimal state regulation.

Why is this important

Home health aides are critical providers in Indiana's aging population care system, yet most states lack formal licensure requirements, creating quality and safety inconsistencies. Licensure could improve consumer protection, standardize training, and potentially increase professional recognition and compensation for these workers, while also creating compliance costs for employers and workers seeking credentials.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden: Implementation costs for training programs, examinations, and licensure infrastructure could be passed to employers, agencies, and ultimately patients through higher service costs
  • Workforce accessibility: Licensure requirements may reduce the labor pool by creating barriers to entry for lower-income workers or those without educational resources, potentially worsening care shortages
  • Scope of practice clarity: The bill's definition of what licensed aides can/cannot do relative to nurses and other healthcare professionals will be critical to implementation and inter-professional collaboration

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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