Indiana approves training curriculum for home health aides on tube feedings

Indiana's Senate Bill 473, introduced on April 10, 2025, aims to enhance the training and certification of home health aides responsible for administering gastrointestinal and jejunostomy tube feedings. This legislation responds to growing concerns about the quality of care provided to patients requiring specialized nutritional support at home.

The bill mandates a structured training curriculum for home health aides, requiring a minimum of four hours and a maximum of eight hours of classroom instruction, alongside two to four hours of practical training. A written and practical examination must be passed before aides can administer these feedings, ensuring they are adequately prepared for the responsibilities they will undertake. Additionally, the bill stipulates that aides must complete annual in-service training to maintain their skills.

Notably, the Indiana State Department is tasked with approving at least one training curriculum by January 1, 2024, setting a clear timeline for implementation. This provision aims to standardize training across the state, addressing inconsistencies that have previously existed in home health care.

The bill has sparked discussions among healthcare professionals and advocates, with supporters emphasizing the need for rigorous training to protect vulnerable patients. Critics, however, express concerns about the potential burden on home health agencies, which may face challenges in meeting the new training requirements.

As the bill progresses, its implications could reshape the landscape of home health care in Indiana, potentially improving patient outcomes while also raising questions about the operational capacity of home health agencies. If passed, Senate Bill 473 will take effect on September 1, 2025, marking a significant shift in the training protocols for home health aides in the state.