Pulse brief · 1 cited source · July 20, 2026
North Carolina bill would set $18-to-$24 wage floors for direct-care workers
House Bill 1045 would set occupation-specific minimums from $18 an hour for home care aides to $24 for licensed practical nurses, starting January 2028 if approved.
North Carolina lawmakers are advancing House Bill 1045, the Fair Wages in Health Care Act, which would set occupation-specific minimum wages of $18 an hour for home care aides and direct support professionals, $20 for certified nursing assistants, $22 for psychiatric aides, and $24 for licensed practical nurses, taking effect January 1, 2028 if approved. Daniel Pickus, owner of Senior Helpers of Asheville, said higher pay would help recruit and retain workers in demanding roles but warned the requirements could strain providers unless the cost of care also rises. The bill heads next to the Republican-led House Rules Committee, whose members did not respond to WLOS's requests for comment.
Evidence
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- North Carolina lawmakers are advancing House Bill 1045, the Fair Wages in Health Care Act, to raise the minimum wage for some direct-care health workers.
- The bill would set minimum pay at $18 an hour for home care aides and direct support professionals, $20 for certified nursing assistants, $22 for psychiatric aides, and $24 for licensed practical nurses.
- If approved, the wage requirements would take effect January 1, 2028.
- Daniel Pickus, owner of Senior Helpers of Asheville, said higher wages could help providers recruit and retain workers in demanding caregiving roles.
- Pickus warned higher wage requirements could strain providers unless the cost of care also increases.
- The bill is heading to a Republican-led House Rules Committee.
- Republican members of the House Rules Committee did not respond to requests for comment from WLOS (News 13).