09.15.17

Scott Introduces Legislation to Strengthen Direct Care Workforce

WASHINGTON – This week, Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) introduced legislation to invest in and support direct care workers and the people they serve. H.R. 3778, the Direct Creation, Advancement, and Retention of Employment (CARE) Opportunity Act will increase funding to entities that provide training and advancement opportunities for direct care workers.

“Direct care workers provide critical services to our nation’s seniors and individuals with disabilities,” said Ranking Member Scott. “As one of the fastest growing occupational sectors in our nation, we must make meaningful investments to ensure that this field is attractive and provides advancement opportunities for those dedicated to the profession. The Direct CARE Opportunity Act will support innovative strategies to recruit, retain, and support our nation’s direct care workers.”

The Direct CARE Opportunity Act addresses the need for a well-trained, prepared, and empowered direct care workforce now and for the future. The bill:

  • Provides funding to fifteen entities to invest in strategies that will create jobs and enhance the direct care workforce pipeline;
  • Implements models and strategies to make the field of direct care more attractive, such as training, providing career pathways, or mentoring, allowing for local and regional innovation to address workforce shortages and needs in a high-demand field;
  • Encourages retention and career advancement in the growing field of direct care; and
  • Responds to the needs of a growing aging population and allows older Americans, people with disabilities, and others who require direct care services to remain in their communities, when possible. 

For the full text of H.R. 3778, the Direct CARE Opportunity Act, click here.  

For a fact sheet on H.R. 3778, the Direct CARE Opportunity Act, click here. 

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