training requirements for Washington
Regulatory Bodies
State:
Washington State Department of Health
Washington State Department of Social and Health Services
Washington State Board of Nursing
Washington State Medical Commission
Federal: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), which is a federal agency within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Caregiving roles in Washington
Number of hours to meet the requirement for initial onboarding training
Number of hours to meet the requirement for annual training
- Home Care Aide (HCA)
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
State Specific Training Requirements
- CNA annual training addresses infection control, safety and emergency procedures, communication and interpersonal skills, resident rights and independence, and other topics related to resident care and quality of life.
- In Washington state, Home Health Aide (HHA) training is not a standalone program, but rather a part of the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program. Therefore, the topics covered in CNA training also apply to HHA training. According to the Washington State Department of Health, the following topics are covered in the state-approved CNA training programs: Basic nursing skills, including infection control, vital signs, and body mechanics; Communication skills, including communication with residents, families, and other healthcare professionals; Personal care skills, including hygiene, grooming, and nutrition; Mental health and social service needs, including dealing with dementia and psychological issues; Care of cognitively impaired residents, including dealing with behavioral issues; Care of residents with physical needs, including positioning, turning, and range of motion exercises; Resident rights and ethical issues, including patient confidentiality and informed consent; Legal issues related to healthcare, including documentation, incident reporting, and abuse reporting
- It is important to note that the specific designations and requirements for home and health care workers in Washington may vary depending on the type of services being provided, the setting in which those services are provided, and other factors. Some home and health care agencies may require additional training or certifications beyond the minimum state requirements, depending on the specific services they provide and the needs of their clients.
- Therefore, it’s important for home and health care providers and agencies to check with their employer or a Washington-approved training program to determine any additional training requirements that may apply to their job.
