Lawmakers advanced the Caregivers Leave Act during a Senate Health, Hospitals, and Human Services Committee meeting Monday, while also receiving updates from the territory’s medical and dental boards.
The measure, Bill No. 36-0086, sponsored by Sen. Novelle E. Francis Jr., seeks to amend Title 3, Chapter 25, Section 590b of the Virgin Islands Code to expand and clarify leave benefits for caregivers employed by the Government of the Virgin Islands.
Cindy Richardson, director of the Division of Personnel, said her department has already begun drafting rules and regulations to guide employees on their rights under the existing statute. She explained that the government also recognizes caregiving responsibilities under the Donated Leave Program, which allows eligible employees caring for seriously ill dependents to receive donated leave from colleagues.
A proposed amendment would restrict eligibility to government and semiautonomous agency employees while broadening the definition of “caregiver” to include those providing care to elderly or dependent adults. Richardson said verification systems will be implemented to prevent abuse of the program.
Troy de Chabert-Schuster, state director of AARP Virgin Islands, voiced strong support for the measure, citing the growing need for caregiver support as the territory’s population ages. “Approximately one in four Virgin Islanders are over the age of 60,” he said, referencing the 2020 Census. De Chabert-Schuster said that by adopting the measure, “the Virgin Islands would model forward-thinking, responsible workforce policy for both the public and eventually the private sectors.” He also urged lawmakers to consider accountability measures such as requiring proof of caregiving responsibilities and limiting leave accrual.
Tracy Stewart Sanders, president of Continuum Care Home Health, LLC, said the legislation would better support family caregivers, who often shoulder extensive responsibilities with little formal training. She called for paid leave policies that allow caregivers to accompany loved ones to appointments and suggested designating a single family caregiver to ensure consistent care. Sanders added that incentives such as tax breaks could encourage private employers to adopt similar policies.
Chair Sen. Ray Fonseca shared a personal perspective, recalling his experience caring for his mother with dementia. Vice Chair Hubert Frederick praised the measure as necessary for an aging population. The bill was voted on favorably and will now move to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration.
Lawmakers also heard updates from the Medical and Dental boards.
Dr. Frank Odlum, chair of the Virgin Islands Board of Medical Examiners, outlined efforts to modernize operations, including the launch of a board website, the shift to Microsoft Teams for meetings, and the implementation of secure government email addresses. The board is also working to join the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which expedites physician licensing across 25 states, and to introduce background checks for new licensees. Odlum said the board continues to face vacancies and is awaiting gubernatorial reappointments.
Dr. Trevor Connor, chair of the Virgin Islands Dental Board, reported that 86 dentists and 43 hygienists renewed their licenses by the September 2024 deadline. The board, which meets quarterly, has automated its renewal process and is considering a dental hygiene training program to address workforce shortages. Connor said such a program would “help build a local dental workforce and improve care quality” by retaining local talent.
Senators in attendance included Fonseca, Frederick, Marvin Blyden, Alma Francis Heyliger, Francis, Kenneth Gittens, Carla Joseph, Clifford Joseph Sr., Avery Lewis, Milton Potter, and Kurt Vialet.
