Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act
Summary
The "Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act" aims to require the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to consider revising the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) system. The goal is to establish a separate code for direct support professionals (DSPs). This would help in better understanding the labor market and turnover rates for DSPs.
The bill acknowledges the critical role DSPs play in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It highlights the challenges in hiring and retaining these professionals.
The Act also mandates a report to Congress if the OMB decides against creating a separate SOC code for DSPs, explaining the decision.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this act could lead to a more accurate representation of direct support professionals in federal statistics. This could improve data collection and analysis related to this workforce.
This may lead to better-informed policies and resource allocation to address the shortage and high turnover rates of DSPs. Ultimately, it could improve the quality of care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
However, the act itself does not allocate any new funds, so its impact depends on subsequent actions taken based on the revised classification.
Potential Benefits
- Improved data collection on direct support professionals.
- Better understanding of the labor market and turnover rates for DSPs.
- Potential for more targeted policies and resource allocation to support the DSP workforce.
- Enhanced recognition of the critical role DSPs play in supporting individuals with disabilities.
- Possible improvement in the quality of care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Potential Disadvantages
- The Act itself does not allocate any new funds, limiting its immediate impact.
- The OMB may decide not to establish a separate code, rendering the Act ineffective.
- The process of revising the SOC system can be lengthy, delaying any potential benefits.
- The Act's impact is contingent on subsequent actions taken based on the revised classification.
- There may be unintended consequences from reclassifying these professionals.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the general welfare clause of the US Constitution (Preamble). It aims to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities by supporting the workforce that cares for them.
Congress's power to collect data and regulate occupations is generally understood as necessary and proper for executing its enumerated powers (Article I, Section 8).
The bill does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).