OAR 418-010-0010: Purpose

(1) In accordance with Article XV, Section 11 of the Oregon State Constitution, the Commission ensures the high quality of homecare services by working cooperatively with area agencies and state and local agencies to accomplish the following: (a) Establish qualifications for homecare and personal support workers with the advice and consent of the Department of Human Services (DHS) and Oregon Health Authority (OHA); (b) Provide training opportunities for homecare and personal support workers; and seniors and individuals experiencing disabilities who employ homecare or personal support workers; (c) Maintain a Registry of qualified homecare and personal support workers; (d) Provide routine, emergency, and substitute referrals of homecare and personal support workers; (e) Enter into contracts with public and private organizations and individuals for the purpose to obtain or develop training materials and curriculum or other services as may be needed by the Commission; (f) Serve as employer of record for collective bargaining with homecare and personal support workers; (g) Select workers’ compensation coverage on behalf of a senior or individual experiencing disability who hires a homecare or personal support worker through a publicly funded program; and (h) Train and certify homecare or personal support workers who desire to become certified community health workers or personal health navigators and meet eligibility criteria and ensure Coordinated Care Organizations honor employment terms and conditions of Community Health Workers and Personal Health Navigator established by the Commission. (2) The rules in Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) Chapter 418 establish procedures for the Commission to fulfill its mission to ensure high quality, comprehensive homecare services are provided for seniors and individuals with disabilities who receive services from homecare and personal support workers who they hire and are paid with public funds.