New DOL Rules will assure minimum wage and hour protections for most home care workers

The Department of Labor has issued new regulations ensuring that, effective January 1, 2015, most direct care workers will be entitled to receive federal minimum wage and overtime pay protections.  Direct care workers are workers who provide home care services, such as certified nursing assistants, home health aides, personal care aides, caregivers, and companions.  The rules are a response to the Supreme Court’s 2007 decision in LONG ISLAND CARE AT HOME, LTD. v. COKE (No. 06-593) , 462 F. 3d 48 (2007), in which the Court upheld an exemption to wage and hour laws for many domestic workers. 

DOL has set up an area within its website explaining the effect of the new rules on workers, employers, and individuals needing home care.  Check out the new rules and the website here.