DOL: Home health care workers must receive minimum wage, overtime
Ruling called "historic"
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has ruled that employers must pay minimum wage and overtime to home care workers who provide critical care to older adults and people with disabilities. The rule had been under review at the White House since Jan. 15, 2013, even though an executive order limits White House review to 90 days with a single 30-day extension.
The changes made last week by the Obama removed an exemption to federal wage laws that had been in place since 1974. The rules cover home health aides, personal care aides and certified nursing assistants who provide care to the elderly and people with injuries, illnesses and disabilities.