DIR FAQs Answer Top Health Care Worker Minimum Wage Questions

Although the start of California’s health care worker minimum wage is delayed — starting sometime between October 15, 2024, and January 1, 2025, depending on several potential triggers — the state’s Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) has posted a Health Care Worker Minimum Wage Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) webpage to shed more light on this new law.

The FAQs answer 26 questions, including the basics, such as the law itself, which workers are covered and which are not, which health care facilities are required to pay the higher minimum wage and which are not, when this minimum wage increase takes effect, as well as:

• Does the new law cover employees of contractors or subcontractors of covered health care facilities? (FAQ 10)
• Does this law impact a salaried manager at a covered health care facility who does not receive overtime? (FAQ 16)
• When calculating the wages exempt from garnishment for a health care worker, what minimum hourly wage is applicable? (FAQ 19)
• Does an employer covered by the new law have to post a new minimum wage or Industrial Welfare Commission order? (FAQ 24)
• Can a city or county pass a health care worker minimum wage law that sets a higher wage for only covered health care workers? (FAQ 26)

And that’s just a sample! For the answers to these and many other questions, check the FAQs page — which also touches on the fact that certain clinics may apply for a waiver that would delay the increase of the health care minimum wage. For more information on this program, visit the Health Care Minimum Wage Clinic Waiver Program FAQs.

Jessica Mulholland, Managing Editor, CalChamber

CalChamber members can read more about Wage and Hour Requirements for Specific Industries in the HR Library. Not a member? Learn how to power your business with a CalChamber membership.