A Senate committee has unanimously approved a bill that asks the federal government to consider tracking direct support professionals as their own occupation. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved S. 3211, the Recognizing the Role of Direct Support Professionals Act, in early August 2026 and recommended it for passage by the full Senate, NADSP announced on Aug. 6.
What S. 3211 would do
The bill would direct the federal government to consider creating a distinct Standard Occupational Classification for DSPs. Federal labor data do not track DSPs as a separate occupation. A distinct code would provide better data on wages, vacancies, turnover and shortages. Sen. Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire sponsors the bill. NADSP also thanked Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky for bringing it up in committee. The bill now goes to the Senate calendar and must still pass the full Senate and the House.
Why this matters for providers and DSPs
Without their own occupational code, DSPs are largely invisible in federal wage and shortage data, which weakens the case for better rates. A distinct code could help providers and states document the workforce crisis and track progress.