Whereas, understaffing can lead to illnesses and injuries for consumers that actually increase the cost of care; and

Whereas, the number of providers and consumers has increased, and it is a concern that the ability of the agencies charged with monitoring the quality of care may be compromised because agency staffing has not kept pace with the agencies' responsibilities; and

Whereas, it is reported that complaints from consumers are growing in number and seriousness; and

Whereas, these issues were the subject of a recommendation of the Commission to Examine Rate Setting and the Financing of Long- term Care Facilities, which reported to the First Regular Session of the 119th Legislature, and as yet have not been addressed by the Legislature; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Task force established. Resolved: That the Task Force to Make Legislative and Policy Recommendations to Strengthen Consumer Protection and Quality Outcomes for All In-home and Home Health Care Services, referred to in this resolve as the "task force," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Task force membership. Resolved: That the task force consists of the following 8 members:

1. Two members of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate, who must be members of different political parties;

2. Two members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House, one representing the majority party and one representing the minority party;

3. Two members of the Long-term Care Steering Committee, one appointed by the President of the Senate and one appointed by the Speaker of the House; and

4. Two representatives of the home health services provider industry, appointed by the Governor; and be it further

Sec. 3. Chairs. Resolved: That the first named Senate member is the Senate chair of the task force and the first named House of Representatives member is the House chair of the task force; and be it further