HHS and DOL Issue Joint Brief to Enhance Data on Home and Community-Based Services Workforce

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Labor (DOL) unveiled a joint issue brief aimed at improving data infrastructure concerning the workforce providing home and community-based services (HCBS). This initiative comes in response to President Biden’s Executive Order 14095, titled “Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers.”

The issue brief outlines recommendations designed to address the growing demand for HCBS, as well as persistent challenges related to job quality, recruitment, and retention within the sector. Notably, it recommended standardizing the definition for direct support professionals. Recognizing the significant contribution of HCBS workers to the US economy, policymakers emphasize the importance of having robust data to support this vital workforce and to monitor the effects of policy changes over time.

By implementing these recommendations, policymakers aim to make informed decisions that enhance the quality of and access to HCBS for the millions of Americans who rely on these services or may require them in the future. The joint effort between HHS and DOL underscores the commitment of the federal government to support and empower HCBS workers while ensuring that individuals receiving these services receive high-quality care.

A webinar is scheduled for May 21, 2024, in which representatives from HHS, DOL, and a non-federal panel of leaders and innovators in the field will discuss the recommendations outlined in the issue brief.