The Oregon House Committee on Rules convened on April 28, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding caregiver standards and the proposed House Bill 3838, aimed at enhancing training and oversight in the caregiving sector. The meeting featured passionate testimonies from caregivers who highlighted the urgent need for improved regulations and support for both workers and the vulnerable populations they serve.

The session began with a speaker from Eugene, who emphasized the importance of establishing a new board to include the voices of workers and employers in the caregiving industry. With over three decades of experience, the speaker argued that current oversight mechanisms are insufficient and fail to evolve with the needs of the community. They urged committee members to support the bill, asserting that it could lead to meaningful change in Oregon's caregiving landscape.

Angela Gelli, a caregiver from rural Douglas County, shared her personal experiences and called for minimum training standards for caregivers. She expressed concern over the lack of training among caregivers, particularly for those serving vulnerable citizens funded by state tax dollars. Gelli's testimony was underscored by her personal connection, as she cares for her disabled veteran son and wants assurance that his caregivers are adequately trained.

Summer, another caregiver with 14 years of experience in memory care, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the detrimental effects of low pay and inadequate staffing on both caregivers and residents. She recounted a tragic incident involving a resident who suffered severe bedsores due to insufficient staffing, illustrating the dire consequences of the current system. Summer urged the committee to support House Bill 3838 to establish necessary standards that prioritize the well-being of both caregivers and those they care for.

James Downey, a former caregiver, shared harrowing stories from his time in assisted living, detailing the impact of short staffing and lack of training on resident care. He recounted instances where inadequate oversight led to severe injuries and even fatalities among residents. Downey's testimony underscored the urgent need for regulatory changes to ensure the safety and dignity of vulnerable individuals in care facilities.

The committee's discussions highlighted a consensus among caregivers regarding the need for improved training, better wages, and adequate staffing levels to enhance the quality of care provided to Oregon's most vulnerable citizens. As the meeting concluded, the committee members were urged to consider the testimonies and the pressing need for reform in the caregiving sector, with House Bill 3838 positioned as a potential catalyst for change. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the bill and its implications for the future of caregiving in Oregon.