Dive Brief:
- Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts said the new federal regulations that provide overtime and minimum wage protection to 2 million home health workers will go into effect as scheduled on Oct. 13.
- Three industry groups had issued an emergency request to the Supreme Court stating the starting date would threaten irreparable harm to businesses providing in-home care for the elderly and disabled.
- Industry groups had pushed for a delay in September, wanting to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Dive Insight:
Home health workers hired via staffing companies have been exempt from minimum wage and overtime since 1974. These workers are those who provide "fellowship, care and protection to seniors and the disabled," according to an article in Crain's.
The Labor Department said the new rule will provide fair wages, but industry groups claim it will make home healthcare unaffordable for many seniors. Despite concerns from the industry regarding compliance, the Labor Department pledged to exercise discretion until the end of the year in deciding to pursue providers after the rule goes into effect.