In mid-September, 2013, the United States Department of Labor (DOL) issued a final rule that eliminates the federal “companionship exemption” for certain “domestic service” workers, including home care aides employed by agencies. The final rule also institutes new record-keeping requirements for agencies employing “live-in” staff. These changes are effective January 1, 2015. This action follows up on a proposed DOL rule issued on December 27, 2011 that covered the companionship exemption.