A proposed Federal bill would include home health aides, nurses’ aides, and babysitters under federal minimum wage and overtime laws. In-home direct care workers who work 20 or more hours per week would be covered under this new law. Currently, babysitters and companions working on a “casual basis” are exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act’s minimum wage and overtime requirements. For those employing babysitters on an infrequent basis, this change is immaterial. But for those employing help at home for more than 20 hours per week, you need to keep an eye on this proposed legislation. If it is passed, covered employers will have to modify their current wage rates and payroll practices.
