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H.R. 6137: Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act

This bill, titled the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act, aims to address the classification of direct support professionals (DSPs) within the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system, which is used to categorize jobs for statistical purposes. The key elements of the bill are as follows:

Purpose of the Bill

The bill seeks to require the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to consider creating a separate occupation code specifically for direct support professionals during the next revision of the SOC system. This change is intended to recognize the unique and crucial role that DSPs play in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Findings on Direct Support Professionals

The bill highlights several findings regarding direct support professionals:

Critical Role: DSPs provide essential services that promote independence for individuals with disabilities, such as support with daily living activities, community integration, and personal goal achievement.
Workforce Challenges: Providers of home- and community-based services face significant challenges in hiring and retaining DSPs, with a reported national turnover rate of around 39%.
Impact of Turnover: High turnover rates negatively affect the stability and quality of care received by individuals, hindering their ability to achieve independent living.
Labor Market Insights: A distinct occupational category for DSPs would help government entities interpret labor market shortages and analyze turnover rates more effectively.

Significance of a Separate Occupational Code

The establishment of a separate code for DSPs is intended to:

Correct the current misrepresentation of DSP work within the SOC system.
Recognize the specific and often overlooked contributions of DSPs as distinct from those of home health aides or personal care aides.
Enhance the alignment of the SOC system with other related classification frameworks.

Formal Procedure for the Revision

The bill mandates that, as part of the next revision of the SOC system following its enactment, the OMB director must consider this new classification for DSPs. If the director decides against creating a separate code, they must issue a report within 30 days explaining the decision to the relevant Senate and House committees.