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Bill

A 226

Requires the office for people with developmental disabilities to create a staffing plan for workforce emergencies when experiencing staffing shortages

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Marianne Buttenschon and 10 co-sponsors

Bill A 226 requires the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities to create a staffing plan to ensure quality care during workforce shortages, benefiting individuals and families.

REPORTED REFERRED TO WAYS AND MEANS
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Bill Summary · A 226

Summary of Bill A 226

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: A 226
  • Title: Requires the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities to Create a Staffing Plan for Workforce Emergencies When Experiencing Staffing Shortages
  • Status: Reported and Referred to Ways and Means
  • Introduced: January 08, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of Bill A 226 is to address the critical issue of staffing shortages within the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). The bill aims to ensure that the OPWDD is prepared to respond effectively to workforce emergencies by establishing a comprehensive staffing plan. This plan is intended to maintain the quality of care and support provided to individuals with developmental disabilities during times of staffing crises.

Key Provisions

  • Creation of a Staffing Plan: The bill mandates the OPWDD to develop a detailed staffing plan that outlines strategies for managing workforce shortages. This plan should include:

    • Emergency Staffing Protocols: Guidelines for quickly mobilizing additional staff or reallocating resources during emergencies.
    • Recruitment Strategies: Initiatives to attract and retain qualified personnel in the developmental disabilities sector.
    • Training and Support: Provisions for training existing staff to handle increased responsibilities during shortages.

  • Regular Updates: The staffing plan must be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changing needs and circumstances within the OPWDD.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Individuals with Developmental Disabilities: The primary beneficiaries of this bill are individuals receiving services from the OPWDD, as the staffing plan aims to ensure continuous and quality care.
  • Care Providers and Staff: The bill will impact the workforce within the OPWDD, including direct support professionals and administrative staff, by providing clearer guidelines and support during staffing shortages.
  • Families and Caregivers: Families of individuals with developmental disabilities may experience improved service continuity and quality, reducing stress during staffing emergencies.

Procedural Aspects

  • Legislative Actions:
    • The bill was introduced on January 08, 2025, and was subsequently referred to the Committee on People with Disabilities.
    • On March 25, 2025, the bill was reported and referred to the Committee on Ways and Means for further consideration.

Related Bills

  • A 9566 (prior-session): A related bill from a previous legislative session that may address similar issues.
  • A 134 (prior-session): Another prior-session bill that could have implications for the OPWDD and its operations.
  • S 4907 (companion): A companion bill in the Senate that aligns with the objectives of A 226.

Conclusion

Bill A 226 represents a proactive approach to managing workforce challenges within the OPWDD, aiming to safeguard the well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities. By establishing a clear staffing plan, the bill seeks to enhance the resilience of the system during emergencies, ensuring that care and support remain uninterrupted.

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

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