Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act

Senate Bill

S. 3211

119th Congress

Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act

In Committee

Introduced:Nov 19, 2025

Primary Sponsor

Maggie Hassan

D - NH

Cosponsors

6

Quick Stats

Policy Area

Labor and Employment

Summary

The Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act requires the Office of Management and Budget to consider creating a separate occupational classification code for direct support professionals who care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The bill cites a 39% turnover rate and notes that a distinct code would help track workforce shortages and differentiate this role from home health aides.

Latest Action

Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

AI Summary

Plain-English explanation of this bill

The Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act requires the Office of Management and Budget to consider creating a separate occupational classification code for direct support professionals who care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The bill cites a 39% turnover rate and notes that a distinct code would help track workforce shortages and differentiate this role from home health aides.

Last updated: 12/27/2025

Key Points

Main provisions of the bill

Directs OMB to consider separate occupational code for direct support professionals
Notes 39% national turnover rate for these workers
Distinguishes DSPs from home health aides and personal care aides
Would enable better labor market data collection on workforce shortages
Requires report to Congress if OMB decides not to create the code

How This Impacts Americans

Potential effects on citizens and communities

Direct support professionals would gain formal recognition as a distinct occupation. Disability service providers would have better data to address staffing shortages. Federal and state workforce planning could target recruitment and retention for this specific role.

Policy Areas

Primary Policy Area

Labor and Employment

Scope & Jurisdiction

Jurisdiction Level

federal

Congressional Session

119th Congress

Citation Reference

3211, 119th Congress (2025). "Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/119-s-3211