On August 6, 2026, the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act (S. 3211) passed unanimously through the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
This bipartisan legislation, introduced by Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME), urges the Office of Management and Budget to establish a Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code for direct support professionals (DSP). A distinct SOC code would provide policymakers with more accurate information about the DSP workforce, including employment trends, wages, turnover, and regional shortages. That data could help inform policies intended to address the workforce crisis affecting access to community-based services.
Committee approval in the Senate moves this critical bill one step closer on its path to passage. In collaboration with our national partners at ANCOR, RCPA is asking all of its member to
take action and ask your members of Congress to support the direct support workforce.
RCPA will continue to monitor this legislation as it progresses through Congress and provide updates as more information become available.
