MEDICAID-FAMILY HEALTH AIDE

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to establish and administer, by January 1, 2027, a Certified Family Health Aide Program that permits a legally responsible family caregiver or family member to receive specific training from a participating licensed home health agency, home nursing agency, or home services agency on the provision of private duty nursing services. Provides that a legally responsible family caregiver or family member who successfully completes training and meets all other applicable requirements under State or federal law shall receive certification as a certified family health aide and be eligible to provide private duty nursing services to a qualifying family member under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment benefit or through any home and community-based services waiver program for medically fragile and technology dependent children. Provides that no home health agency, home nursing agency, home services agency, or legally responsible family caregiver or family member is required to participate in the program. Contains provisions on training and instruction requirements for certification; additional hands-on training provided by participating agencies; competency requirements for certified family health aides; background check requirements; reimbursement rates for certified family health aide services; Department rules and reporting requirements; monthly meetings between the Department and participating agencies during the implementation phase of the program; and other matters. Effective immediately.