WORKERS SERVING THE STATE’S HOME SERVICES PROGRAM FOR THE DISABLED NOW HAVE A NEW OVERTIME POLICY.
THE WORKERS HAVE PROTESTED THE CHANGE…SAYING THE NEW RULES WILL DISRUPT CLIENT CARE AND OFFER ONLY MINIMAL SAVINGS. ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES SECRETARY JAMES DIMAS IS TRYING TO ALLAY THOSE CONCERNS.
THE NEW RULES WILL REQUIRE CAREGIVERS TO GET APPROVAL BEFORE EXCEEDING 45 HOURS PER WEEK, ALTHOUGH EXCEPTIONS WILL BE MADE FOR CLIENTS THAT NEED MORE CONSTANT CARE. DIMAS SAYS THIS WILL SAVE THE STATE MONEY WHILE STILL HELPING THE DISABLED STAY IN THEIR HOMES.
THE NEW POLICY TAKES EFFECT AUGUST FIRST.
