Washington DOH Extends Home Care Aide Certification Timelines

​The Washington State Department of Health Home Care Aide program has extended the emergency rules regarding alternative certification timelines for individuals pursuing certification as home care aides, in response to the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The department acknowledges that many long-term care workers continue to face challenges in obtaining certification, and this extension is essential to protect public health and safety, as well as to support the long-term care workforce and help prevent staffing shortages.

​The certification deadline for workers hired between July 1, 2023, through January 31, 2024, has been extended from April 30, 2025, to July 31, 2025. All other certification deadlines are unchanged.
 
This emergency rule was initially established under Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 1120, passed in 2021, which granted the department authority to provide additional time for long-term care workers to achieve certification. The rule was further extended under WSR 25-10-015.pdf on April 25 to apply to those hired within the specified hire date timeframe.
 
For additional information, contact the Home Care Aide program at [email protected].