HR6137-119

What This Bill Does

The Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act addresses workforce classification for people who support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The findings describe direct support professionals as workers who help with independence, community inclusion, communication, personal goals, employment or volunteer participation, daily living activities, home management, and support at home, work, school, or other community settings. The findings cite hiring and retention problems, including a 39 percent turnover rate identified in a 2023 National Core Indicators study, and argue that a discrete occupational category would improve labor-market data and recognize work distinct from home health aides or personal care aides. The bill directs the OMB Director, as part of the first Standard Occupational Classification revision after enactment, to consider establishing a separate code for direct support professionals as a healthcare support occupation. If OMB decides not to establish the code, it must report within 30 days to the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the House Education and Workforce Committee explaining the decision. No additional funds are authorized.

Who Benefits and How

Direct support professionals benefit from potential recognition as a distinct occupation in federal workforce statistics. Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities benefit if better workforce data helps address shortages and turnover in support services. Home- and community-based service providers benefit from more accurate labor-market data on direct support professional hiring and retention. State labor departments and disability service agencies benefit from clearer occupational data for workforce planning. Congressional oversight committees benefit from a required explanation if OMB declines to create the code.

Who Bears the Burden and How

OMB statistical policy staff must consider the new Standard Occupational Classification code during the next revision cycle. Federal statistical agencies may need to incorporate a new direct support professional code if OMB establishes one. OMB must submit a report within 30 days if it chooses not to create the separate code. Congressional committees must review OMB explanation if the code is rejected. Agencies must carry out the bill without newly authorized appropriations.

Key Provisions

• Directs OMB to consider a separate Standard Occupational Classification code for direct support professionals.
• Recognizes direct support professionals as distinct from home health aides and personal care aides.
• Cites a 39 percent direct support professional turnover rate from a 2023 National Core Indicators study.
• Requires OMB to report to Congress within 30 days if it declines to establish the code.
• Provides no new authorized funding.