Beginning January 1, 2011, state law will require certain long-term care workers to get a home care aide certification from the Department of Health.

On November 4, 2008, Washington voters passed initiative 1029. The following year, the legislature amended certain portions of the initiative.

The initiative and bill requires the Department of Health and the Department of Social and Health Services to develop the profession. It gives each of the departments different roles and responsibilities . The Department of Social and Health Services will develop the training curriculum and perform the criminal background checks. The Department of Health will administer the examination and license the home care aides.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at Homecareaides@doh.wa.gov.

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