Connecticut has enacted Public Act No. 26‑50 (HB 5143), introducing new training, documentation, and advertising requirements for homemaker‑companion agencies. While certain provisions are effective immediately, the law’s key employer obligations take effect January 1, 2027.
New Mandatory Training Requirements
Beginning January 1, 2027, homemaker‑companion agencies must provide employees with both initial and ongoing training, including:
- At least eight hours of paid initial training for new employees within 90 days of hire; and
- Annual continuing education covering approved training topics
Training must address a range of core topics, including communication, safety, abuse reporting, and recognizing changes in a client’s condition. Additional training is required for employees serving individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
State‑Approved Training Programs
By October 1, 2026, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, in consultation with other state agencies, must publish a list of approved training programs.
Employers must ensure that:
- Employees complete all required training programs at least once every two years; and
- Training aligns with state‑approved content standards.
Documentation and Recordkeeping Requirements
The law introduces new compliance and administrative obligations for employers, including:
- Completion of a formal training attestation form signed by both the employer and employee after each training;
- Retention of training documentation in employee personnel files; and
- Submission of an annual certification to the state confirming compliance with training requirements
Employers must also maintain records of training programs used and supporting documentation for inspection.
Limited Exemptions
Certain categories of workers are exempt from the new training requirements, including:
- Nurse’s aides;
- Home health aides;
- Personal care attendants; and
- Employees who do not provide homemaker or companion services
These exemptions ensure the law applies specifically to the targeted workforce.
Updated Advertising Requirements
The law also reinforces and expands requirements for how agencies represent their services.
Agencies advertising “care” services must:
- Clearly disclose that they provide nonmedical care only; and
- Avoid any language suggesting they provide medical services beyond their licensed scope
Violations may be treated as misleading or deceptive advertising, creating additional compliance risks.
Employer Takeaway
Connecticut’s new law imposes significant workforce training and compliance obligations on homemaker‑companion agencies, particularly beginning in January 2027. Impacted employers should begin preparing now to:
- Develop compliant training programs and schedules;
- Implement systems for tracking and documenting employee training; and
- Review marketing materials to ensure compliance with advertising restrictions.
The law reflects increased regulatory focus on workforce quality and consumer protection in the home‑care industry, and employers should expect closer scrutiny of training practices and service representations going forward.