Authorizing Statute: Section 17b-706a of the CT General Statutes
Contact The PCA Workforce Council
Email: PCAcouncil@ct.gov
Phone: 860-418-6370 (please leave a message & we will return your call)
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Members
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Member Category per CGC Section 17b-706a |
Designee |
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Governor’s Appointment “a member of an organization representing the interests of elderly consumers” |
Fran Mazzarella Housing Director, Corporation for Independent Living |
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Governor’s Appointment “a member of an organization representing the interests of consumers with developmental disabilities” |
Kathleen Flaherty Executive Director, the Connecticut Legal Rights Project |
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Governor’s Appointment “a member of an organization representing the interests of consumers with physical disabilities” |
Eileen Healy Executive Director, Independence Northwest, Center for Independent Living |
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House Speaker “a member of an organization representing the interests of consumers with developmental disabilities” |
Margaret Szymanski Parent of Consumer & Employer of Record |
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DSS – Commissioner Gifford “the Commissioner of the Department of Social Services or the Commissioner’s designee” |
Dawn Lambert Co-Leader Community Options Unit, DSS |
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OHA – Health Care Advocate “the Healthcare Advocate or the Healthcare Advocate’s designee”
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Adam Prizio Staff Attorney, OHA |
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DDS – Commissioner “the Commissioner of the Department of Developmental Services or the Commissioner’s designee” |
Denise Paladino Director, DDS Self Determination |
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Office of Policy and Management “the Secretary of the Office of Policy & Management or the Secretary’s designee” |
Claudio Gualtieri Chair of the PCA Workforce Council, and Undersecretary of Health and Human Services, Office of Policy Management |
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House Majority Leader “a member of an organization representing the interests of elderly consumers” |
VACANT |
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House Minority Leader “a member of an organization representing the interests of consumers with physical disabilities” |
Lucas Sundwall Consumer & Employer of Record |
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Senate Minority Leader “a member of an organization representing the interests of elderly consumers”
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Fran Sinish Consumer/Older Adult |
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President Pro Tempore “a member of an organization representing the interests of consumers with physical disabilities”
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VACANT |
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Senate Majority Leader “a member of an organization representing the interests of consumers with developmental disabilities” |
VACANT |
Information on Council Member Roles and Responsibilities
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2022 Special Meeting Regarding PCA Registry Development
Monday, November 14, 2022 - 11:30 A.M. - 12:00 P.M.
Microsoft Teams meeting
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Meeting ID: 213 826 961 614
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+1 860-840-2075,,159297753# United States, Hartford
Phone Conference ID: 159 297 753#
2023 Meeting Schedule
Tuesday, January 24, 2023 – 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
Agenda | Recording and Minutes
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Meeting ID: 231 680 268 064
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+1 860-840-2075,,161370989# United States, Hartford
Phone Conference ID: 161 370 989#
Tuesday, March 7, 2023 – 9:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. - SPECIAL MEETING
A special meeting of the Council will be held to discuss matters related to collective bargaining.
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Meeting ID: 285 922 714 450
Passcode: WkPtuX
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+1 860-840-2075,,49512921# United States, Hartford
Phone Conference ID: 495 129 21#
Tuesday, April 25, 2023 – 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
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Meeting ID: 277 042 462 228
Passcode: xCoFLy
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+1 860-840-2075,,933941518# United States, Hartford
Phone Conference ID: 933 941 518#
Tuesday, July 25, 2023 – 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
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Meeting ID: 282 931 064 171
Passcode: cdGfPL
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+1 860-840-2075,,280582749# United States, Hartford
Phone Conference ID: 280 582 749#
Tuesday, October 24, 2023 – 9:30 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
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Meeting ID: 236 243 649 340
Passcode: z2CjDf
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+1 860-840-2075,,831748168# United States, Hartford
Phone Conference ID: 831 748 168#
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NEW! Important PCA Premium Assistance and Paid Time Off (PTO) Updates
Premium Assistance Benefit
GOOD NEWS! If a PCA missed the February 24th, 2023 application deadline for Healthcare Premium Assistance (HCPA) there is another opportunity to apply!
PCAs who HAVE NOT previously applied for HCPA, or feel they were denied in error, or did not receive the initial stipend issued March 13, 2023 and currently do not have health coverage and are not eligible for Medicaid (HUSKY) or Covered CT hey can APPLY NOW through April 7, 2023!
The HCPA under the Collective Bargaining Agreement provides funds that can be used to purchase an insurance plan on the Access Health CT exchange, cover out-of-pocket medical costs or other expenses.
The PCA Workforce Council worked in collaboration with Access Health CT (AHCT) to offer a SPECIAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD (SEP) for PCAs to purchase a plan on the Health Insurance Exchange.
- The Access Health CT (AHCT) Special Enrollment Period (SEP) will run from March 15, 2023 - May 15, 2023.
- Beginning March 15th, 2023, AHCT will have a dedicated phone line (844) 589-3612 that will feature a message specific to PCAs.
- AHCT has requested that callers identify themselves as PCAs and state that they are calling regarding the PCA SEP.
For full details on how PCAs can apply for this important benefit click here English. Click Here Spanish
For full eligibility criteria click here.
The premium assistance application for Sunset Shores can be found here ENGLISH. Here for SPANISH. The Premium Assistance Application for Allied can be found here here.
Paid Time Off (PTO)
- December 16, 2022 is the effective date that PTO accruals began accumulating. PCAs will be able to take PTO at a future time. More information regarding the amount of PTO accruals a PCA/DSP has available to them, and when those accruals can be used, will be forthcoming.
- In the meantime – while implementation of the PTO is under development the PCA Workforce Council will be making bonus payments available to active PCAs/DSPs!
- Active PCAs/DSPs will receive a one-time $250 bonus payment per Consumer-Employer for whom they work.
- Bonuses will be issued the week of the Juneteenth holiday.
- The goal is for this bonus to provide PCAs/DSPs with the ability to take time-off and compensate themselves should they so choose.
- “Active” PCA/DSP means any PCA/DSP who has been paid at least once for service to a Consumer-Employer on a payroll process date between December 23, 2022 and May 12, 2023, and who is listed on the same Consumer-Employer’s care plan at the time of payment, unless separated from employment due to the Consumer-Employer’s death or admission to an acute care hospital, Chronic disease hospital, nursing home or Intermediate Care Facility.
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NEW! Covered Connecticut Program
*Consumer Employers/Employers of Record - *Please Consider Sharing with Your Employees*
We encourage you to let your employees know that the State of Connecticut has expanded the Covered Connecticut Program. Connecticut residents who meet specific eligibility requirements are paying $0 for their health insurance coverage through Access Health. The Covered Connecticut Program provides health insurance coverage, dental coverage, and Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) administered by the Connecticut Department of Social Services.
Your employees can learn more about Covered Connecticut at AccessHealthCT.com and they can also complete an application on that website to see if they qualify for the program. In addition, free enrollment and eligibility help is available by calling Access Health at 1-855-805-4325. This is a very exciting program that provides health insurance coverage to thousands of Connecticut residents: please share this information with your employees as you see fit.
Covered Connecticut 1-Page Overview
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NEW! Council Corner - Information for Consumer Employers/Employers of Record
Council Corners are brief updates on important information included in the newsletters disseminated by the state's fiscal intermediaries.
July 2022
November 2021
July 2021
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COVID-19 Resources for Consumer-Employers and PCAs
Updated October 12, 2021
The PCA Workforce Council has created a special COVID-19 section of its web page to provide important programmatic updates for Medicaid consumers self-directing their own care and the Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) that work for them. This page is not intended to be an exhaustive resource page on COVID-19. For the most comprehensive and up-to-date information related to COVID-19 and Connecticut’s response, please visit the official state COVID-19 Web page https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus.
If you are finding yourself without a PCA due to COVID-19 please contact your Care Manager immediately. If you are experiencing a true medical emergency contact 911.
*NEW* Emergency Supports for Consumer-Employers During COVID-19
During the COVID-19 Pandemic, DSS and DDS have established emergency procedures for:
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Approval of PCA Overtime
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Increasing Individual Budgets
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Hiring New Staff
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And more …
For information on these new options and how to access them during the COVID-19 crisis, please review the memo below that pertains to the agency through which you receive services:
DSS - including all Consumer First Choice Recipients *Updated October 13, 2020*
Moratorium on New Hire Orientation Requirement - *Updated April 1, 2021*
The PCA Workforce Council and SEIU 1199NE puts the health and safety of consumer-employers and their Personal Care Attendants (PCAs) above all else. Therefore, in light of COVID-19, the decision was made on March 15, 2020 to cancel all New Hire Orientations until further notice. Fortunately, the 1199 Training and Upgrading Fund (TUF) has been able to launch a virtual orientation program using the virtual platform Zoom. Therefore, the requirement for all PCAs hired on or after January 1, 2020 to attend new hire orientation is back in effect. This notice provides information about the PCA orientation program and when your PCA will be required to complete it.
When must orientation be completed?
PCA’s hired on or before January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020, who are still currently employed, must complete an orientation before May 8, 2021 as a condition of employment.
All PCAs hired as of January 1, 2021 are required to complete an orientation within 90 days of the date of hire. A PCA who has not completed orientation within that timeframe cannot work as a PCA until the orientation is complete.
Resources for Additional Information
Unemployment Insurance: https://www.ctdol.state.ct.us/
State of CT COVID-19 Information: https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus
State of CT COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions: Includes information on assistance available during the COVID-19 for issues such as: rental and mortgage assistance, utility assistance; internet assistance and HUSKY Health. https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/Coronavirus/COVID-19-FAQs.pdf?la=en
2-1-1 Resource Guide of Community-Based Programs: For help identifying and connecting with basic needs programs like food, utilities, healthcare, child care, diapers, and more, visit https://uwc.211ct.org/covid19resources or call 2-11
The 4th Annual Employer Forum Is In The Books!
Thank you to all of the consumer-employers who attended.
You made the day a success!
All of the Materials from the November 2, 2019 Forum Can Be Found Here
Overview of the Day
The PCA Workforce Council
- About the PCA Workforce Council
- Your Rights As a Consumer-Employer
- Join the PCA Workforce Council - Information on Council Member Roles and Responsibilities
Electronic Visit Verification - It's Here !
- EVV Overview PowerPoint
- Using EVV PowerPoint
- Sandata CDS EVV Toolkit English
- Sandata CDS EVV Toolkit Spanish
I Have To Do What? Your Responsibilities as An Employer or Employer of Record
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The 3rd annual PCA Employer Forum was a success! Agenda The PCA Workforce Council Tips for Hiring A Personal Care Assistant
Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Overview of the 2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement Handouts from Fiscal Intermediaries |
Information About PCA Orientation
- Video on PCA Orientation Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window
- Orientation Video - What It Means to Be A PCA
- Notice to Employers About PCA Orientation
- FAQ on PCA Orientation
- Orientation PowerPoint Slides Updated February 3, 2022
Employers Choosing to Provide the Orientation Him/Herself
Employers that choose to provide the orientation him/herself must following these steps:
- Complete the Opt-Out Form. The form must be completed and returned to your fiscal intermediary within 14 days. You may mail or fax the form. The contact information for your fiscal intermediary is below.
- Inform your PCA of their requirement to attend the Union-Only portion of an orientation group session. Under the collective bargaining agreement between the Workforce Council and the union that represents your PCA, 30 minutes of the orientation covers workers’ rights and responsibilities presented by a Union representative. The first 30 minutes of every group session will cover these topics. Registration for group sessions is covered below.
- Provide the rest of the orientation to your PCA. You must follow the standard curriculum. Orientation must be provided during non-service hours. Your PCA will be paid $45.00 for completing the full orientation you provide and union-only portion of the orientation group session, which will not be counted against your service budget.
- Once completed, return the Employer Orientation Certification form. Completing and returning this form promptly will ensure your PCA receives credit for completing orientation and is paid the orientation stipend. Orientation is not complete until you have returned the Employer Orientation Certification form AND your PCA has attended the union-only session.
Fiscal Intermediary Contact Information
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Allied Community Resources
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Sunset Shores
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Orientation Group Sessions
Orientation group sessions are provided by the 1199 New England Health Care Employees Union and Training & Upgrading Fund under a contract with the Workforce Council. For a list of orientation group sessions, click here. Register now online by clicking here.
For more information regarding PCA orientation and training please contact the 1199 Training & Upgrading Fund at 860-804-4869.
Meetings
- Dec. 14, 2011: Agenda | Minutes
- Jan. 4, 2012: Agenda | Minutes
- Feb. 1, 2012: Agenda | Minutes
- Mar. 7, 2012: Agenda
- Mar. 12, 2012: Agenda
- Feb. 21, 2013: Agenda | Minutes
- Mar. 15, 2013: Agenda | Minutes
- Apr. 5, 2013: Agenda | Minutes
- Apr. 19, 2013: Agenda | Minutes
- May 17, 2013: Agenda -- *CANCELED*
- Jun. 21, 2013: Agenda | Minutes
- Aug. 2, 2013: Agenda | Minutes
- Aug. 8, 2013: Agenda | Minutes
- Aug. 23, 2013: Agenda | Minutes
- Oct. 25, 2013: Agenda | Minutes
- Nov. 15, 2013: *CANCELED*
- Dec. 20, 2013: Agenda | Minutes
- Feb. 21, 2014: Agenda | Minutes
- Mar. 21, 2014: Agenda
- Apr. 25, 2014: Agenda
- May 16, 2014: *CANCELED*
- Jun. 20, 2014: Agenda | Minutes
- Jul. 18, 2014: *CANCELED*
- Aug. 15, 2014: Agenda | Minutes
- Sep. 19, 2014: *CANCELED*
- Oct. 17, 2014: Agenda | Minutes
- Nov. 21, 2014: *CANCELED*
- Dec. 19, 2014: Agenda | Minutes
- May 1, 2015: Agenda | Minutes
- July 15, 2015: Agenda | Minutes
- Aug. 31, 2015: Agenda | Minutes
- Oct. 23, 2015: *CANCELED*
- Nov. 13, 2015: *CANCELED*
- Jan. 8 , 2016: Agenda | Minutes
- Feb. 5, 2016: Agenda | Minutes
- Apr. 14, 2016: Agenda | Minutes
- Jul. 13, 2016: Agenda | Minutes
- Oct. 21, 2016: Agenda | Minutes
- May 4, 2017: Agenda | Minutes
- Jul. 6, 2017: Agenda | Minutes
- Oct. 19, 2017: Agenda | Minutes
- Jan. 4, 2018: *CANCELED*
- Apr. 12, 2018: Agenda | Minutes
- Jul. 12, 2018: Agenda | Minutes
- Oct. 11, 2018: Agenda | Minutes
- Jan. 8, 2019: Agenda I Minutes
- April 9, 2019 Agenda I Minutes
- July 9, 2019 Agenda I Minutes
- October 8, 2019 Agenda I Minutes Materials: 2019 Employer Forum Flyer and Agenda
- January 14, 2020 Agenda | Minutes
- April 14, 2020 Agenda| Recording - Phone only – 860-840-2075 Conference ID: 6279708333#
- July 14, 2020 Agenda | PCA Workforce Council 7-14-20 | Adjournment Vote
- October 13, 2020 Agenda |PCA Workforce Council 10-13-20 Recording | Adjournment Vote | '21 Meeting Schedule
- January 12, 2021 Agenda |PCA Workforce Council 1-12-21 Recording | Adjournment Vote
- April 13, 2021 Agenda | PCA Workforce Council recording, votes, and attendance
- July 13, 2021 Agenda | PCA Workforce Council recording, votes, and attendance
- October 12, 2021 Agenda | PCA Workforce Council recording, votes and attendance| Adjournment Vote | 2022 Meeting Schedule
- January 25, 2022 Agenda | PCA Workforce Council recording, votes, and attendance | Adjournment Vote | TUF Financial Report | TUF Orientation Attendance Report
- April 14, 2022 - Special Meeting Agenda | PCA Workforce Council recording, votes, and attendance
- May 12, 2022 Agenda | PCA Council recording, votes, and attendance | Minutes
- July 26, 2022 Agenda | Minutes including link to recording
- October 25, 2022 Agenda | PCA Workforce Council recording, votes and attendance | Minutes | 2023 Meeting Schedule
- November 14, 2022 - Special Meeting Agenda | recording, votes and attendance | Minutes
Documents
- 2023 Meeting Schedule
- 2022 Meeting Schedule - Revised
- 2022 Meeting Schedule
- 2021 Meeting Schedule
- 2020 Meeting Schedule
- Community First Choice Questions and Answers - July 2018
- Collective Bargaining Agreement 2018
- Amended Article 13 of Collective Bargaining Agreement 2018
- Summary of 2018 Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Personal Care Assistant Resources - Rewarding Work Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window Opens in a new window
- PCA Orientation Curriculum
- PCA Orientation Handouts
- Letter to Employers Regarding PCA Orientation
- Contract between the Workforce Council and the 1199 Training and Upgrading Fund
- Collective Bargaining Agreement Extension Agreement 2016
- Memorandum of Agreement on Paid Time Off
- Collective Bargaining Extension Agreement July 2021
- Summary of Collective Bargaining Agreement - July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2023
- DSS and DDS Consumer Employer Memo Regarding 2022 Worker Wage Increases
- Signed Tentative Collective Bargaining Agreement - July 1, 2021 - June 30, 2023
Recruitment/Retention/Referral Workgroup
Members
Mary Caruso
Meetings
- June 4, 2014: Minutes
- July 10, 2014: Agenda | Minutes
- August 7, 2014: *CANCELED*
- September 3, 2014: *CANCELED*
- October 7, 2014: Agenda | Minutes
- November 4, 2014: *CANCELED*
- December 3, 2014: *CANCELED*
- June 3, 2015: *CANCELED*
- July 8, 2015: Agenda | Minutes
- August 12, 2015: Agenda | Minutes
- September 2, 2015: *CANCELED*
- October 7, 2015: *CANCELED*
- November 4, 2015: *CANCELED*
- December 2, 2015: *CANCELED*
Training Workgroup
Members
- Greg McMahon
- Sheila Mulvey
Meetings
- October 9, 2014: Minutes
- November 5, 2014: Agenda | Minutes
- January 7, 2015: Agenda | Minutes
- February 4, 2015: *CANCELED*
- February 19, 2015: Minutes
- March 4, 2015:
- April 1, 2015: Agenda | Minutes
- April 22, 2015: Agenda | Minutes
- May 6, 2015: *CANCELED*
- June 3, 2015: *CANCELED*
- July 8, 2015: Agenda | Minutes
- August 12, 2015: Agenda | Minutes
- September 2, 2015: *CANCELED*
- October 7, 2015: *CANCELED*
- November 4, 2015: *CANCELED*
- December 2, 2015: *CANCELED*
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The 2nd Annual PCA Employer Forum was a success! All of the materials from the November 4, 2017 forum are available here:
Agenda
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