SD Caregivers Win Fight for Trach Care Pay

For decades, South Dakota families faced significant challenges due to a rule classifying tracheostomy care and suctioning as tasks only nurses or doctors could perform if compensated. While family members could provide this care for free, they were barred from receiving payment under shared living programs. This created a substantial hurdle for individuals needing regular tracheostomy attention.

LifeQuest, a Mitchell-based nonprofit supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, alongside several families, initiated a 14-month campaign to challenge this outdated regulation. Their advocacy involved extensive communication and testimony, aiming to allow compensated care for tracheostomy and gastrostomy tubes.

This effort culminated in the South Dakota Board of Nursing approving rule changes in September, officially going into effect. The new regulations permit family members to be compensated for providing essential medical care like tracheostomy and gastrostomy tube management.

Families, such as Shannon Moser and Amanda Meyer, shared their experiences, highlighting how the previous rules necessitated difficult choices, including relocation or foregoing services. Their personal testimonies were instrumental in convincing the board of the need for change.

The rule modification ensures that affected families can focus on their loved ones' well-being without the constant stress of navigating complex regulations or arranging external medical visits. This victory promises to improve the quality of life for many in South Dakota.