Establishes a credentialing pilot program for direct support professionals

• Democratic6
• Republican2

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Samra Brouk says this is needed

In 2015, the New York State Legislature and Governor Cuomo charged OPWDD to provide recommendations for the design and implementation of a Direct Support Professional credential program. OPWDD engaged in a comprehen- sive project to research and review the efficacy of establishing a statewide direct support professional credential. Structured focus groups of stakeholders, distribution of a statewide survey, and research and analysis to gather input on the utility, design, and implementation were key facets of the project which produced a technical report with recommendations to implement the credentialing program. According to the report, "well-designed credentialing programs provide targeted educational opportunities that help people master increasingly specialized or rapidly changing content areas in professions without necessarily investing in a longer-term degree program." Credentialing also improves the quality outcomes and affordability of long-term supports and services. At a time when the human services sector is facing workforce shortages, credentialing is an important tool to attract applicants into the direct support professional field, create a necessary bridge to a higher educational opportunity, increase wages for the lower paid workforce, and has the potential to decrease turnover and vacancy rates.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.