1. (a) In this section, “personal care aide” means an individual who provides personal assistance services through a residential service agency.

2. (b)

   1. (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, this section applies only to personal assistance services provided through a residential service agency under Community First Choice, Community Options, Community Personal Assistance Services, and any other home- and community-based services administered by the Department.
   2. (2) This section does not apply to personal care services provided through the Developmental Disabilities Administration.

3. (c)

   1. (1) On or before September 1 each year, beginning in 2025, each residential service agency shall submit to the Maryland Department of Labor a report in the form and manner required by the Maryland Department of Labor.

   2. (2) The annual report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall include:

      1. (i) Documentation of the residential service agency's:

         1. 1. Average wage rate for personal care aides; and
         2. 2. Highest and lowest wage rates for personal care aides; and
      2. (ii) Any other information that the Maryland Department of Labor determines appropriate.
   3. (3) The annual report required under paragraph (1) of this subsection shall be signed by an authorized representative of the residential service agency.

Added by Acts 2024, c. 864, § 1, eff. June 1, 2024; Acts 2024, c. 865, § 1, eff. June 1, 2024.