Dept of Labor and Companionship Hours

[Rebecca Ball]

Follow-up from the DHS on our 2/24 Meeting 

 

In September, 2013, the Department of Labor published final rules that potentially affect Medicaid programs.  The rule repeals the “companionship exemption” utilized by many employers, including the Department of Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority.  The rule clarifies that certain direct care workers are: 

 

·        Entitled to at least minimum wage for all services performed.

·        Entitled to overtime when hours worked exceed 40 per week.

·        Entitled to compensation for time spent traveling between consumers. 

 

An informational page has been established by the Department of Labor at http://www.dol.gov/whd/homecare/

 

We are currently working with legal counsel and the Department of Labor to clarify the impact to our Departments.  More information will be shared in the near future. 

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 Questions: Contact Mike McCormick, Jill Gray, or Mickey Serice.