Pulse development · 1 cited source · September 18, 2026
California Rate Increase Puts Staffing Test Ahead
Aveanna says it will raise wages and recruit ahead of a Jan. 1, 2027 pediatric private-duty nursing rate increase.
Aveanna says it aims to raise caregiver wages in Q4, then apply new wage rates and recruit in January. Its CEO said the company had been staffing roughly 50% of authorized hours in California after rates stayed stagnant for eight years and the COVID-19 pandemic. He said families could be told that it might take months to find a nurse. Aveanna leaders predict that hundreds of families could move from children’s hospitals to home-based pediatric care once staffing improves. The company operates in 39 states. That prediction is an operator forecast. The observable test is whether California providers fill more authorized hours and report hospital-to-home transitions after the scheduled rate change takes effect.
Evidence
Each statement shown below is a verified claim this source supports.
- California's 2027 pediatric private-duty nursing budget change is slated to take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
- Aveanna had been staffing roughly 50% of its authorized hours in California.
- Aveanna executives aim to raise caregiver wages ahead of the new rate.
- Aveanna calls increasing wages a Q4 goal.
- Aveanna plans to apply new wage rates and recruit in January.
- Aveanna's California business suffered amid eight years of stagnant rates and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Shaner said families could be told that finding a nurse might take months.
- Aveanna leaders predict that hundreds of families will move children from children's hospitals to home-based pediatric care.
- Aveanna operates in 39 states.
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