119th (2025–2027)
S. 3211
This bill directs the Office of Management and Budget to consider creating a separate job classification code for direct support professionals within the Standard Occupational Classification system, categorizing them as a healthcare support occupation. Direct support professionals help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities with daily living tasks, community engagement, and independence, but they currently lack a distinct occupational code, making it harder to track workforce shortages and a high 39 percent national turnover rate. If OMB decides not to establish this new code during the next scheduled revision of the classification system, it must explain its reasoning in a report to relevant congressional committees within one month of that revision. The bill affects direct support professionals, the individuals and families who rely on their care, and federal statistical agencies that track labor market data. No additional federal funding is authorized to implement this legislation.