Brazil Prioritizes Caregiver Training in Federal Programs to Support Persons with Disabilities
Brazil's Chamber of Deputies approves a bill prioritizing caregiver training in federal programs to advance disability rights and care quality.
- • The Commission approved a bill prioritizing both family and professional caregivers in federal training programs.
- • The legislation amends the Brazilian Inclusion Law and aligns with the National Care Policy.
- • Relator Zé Haroldo Cathedral highlighted the importance of caregiver qualification for disability rights.
- • The number of nursing jobs in Brazil grew 44% between 2017 and 2022, reinforcing healthcare capacity.
Key details
The Commission for the Defense of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Brazil's Chamber of Deputies has approved a bill prioritizing caregivers in federal training, education, and qualification programs. The legislation amends the Brazilian Inclusion Law to extend priority to both family and professional caregivers involved in care for persons with disabilities. Initially, the bill (Project 3445/25) proposed by deputy Amom Mandel focused solely on family caregivers, but the version approved by relator Zé Haroldo Cathedral (PSD-RR) expanded this to include all caregivers in federal programs funded or promoted by public administration.
Cathedral emphasized that qualifying caregivers enhances the autonomy, well-being, and social participation of persons with disabilities. The proposal aligns with the recently sanctioned National Care Policy and will now undergo review by the Commission of Constitution and Justice and Citizenship before needing approval by both the Chamber and Senate to become law.
This legislative development comes amid a broader expansion of Brazil's healthcare workforce. Between 2017 and 2022, the number of nursing jobs grew nearly 44% to 1.5 million, with the highest increases in high-complexity care settings. Nursing professionals, predominantly women making up 85% of the workforce, play a critical role in patient care across all health sectors, signaling a strengthening in Brazil's capacity to support vulnerable populations.
The caregivers' prioritization measure represents a significant step toward formalizing and enhancing support systems for people with disabilities through education and workforce development initiatives.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.