Today Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin signed H.B 4062, requiring the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services to create and maintain a registry of caregivers available to provide in-home services. Gov. Tomblin spoke to a group of seniors and county officials at the Nicholas County Community Action Partnership Center this morning about the significance of the registry.
"This registry is voluntary for caregivers but an absolute necessity for seniors and their families," Gov. Tomblin said. "Across the Mountain State, we currently have over 9,000 in-home care providers who assist our seniors, and that number is expected to grow dramatically in the coming years. These caregivers provide vital services including assistance with daily living activities and personal care. Until now, families had no good way to identify and research the backgrounds of the individuals they are entrusting with the care of their loved ones. This registry will make our seniors safer and give West Virginia families the peace of mind they deserve."
To be included in the new registry, caregivers must undergo criminal background checks. The registry will also provide information such as training, educational attainment and proposed rates for each caregiver.