The bill amends existing laws regarding the certification renewal process for home care aides and nursing assistants in Washington State. It establishes that certification as a home care aide must be renewed every two years, as indicated by the new insertion in RCW 18.88B.031. Additionally, the bill outlines the requirements for long-term care workers to complete necessary training and pass a certification examination, which includes both skills demonstrations and knowledge tests. The department is tasked with developing the examination and ensuring it is administered fairly and in the preferred language of the applicant.

Furthermore, the bill amends RCW 18.88A.130 to specify that registrations, certifications, and medication assistant endorsements must also be renewed every two years. The effective date for these changes is set for January 1, 2025. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the certification process for home care aides and nursing assistants, ensuring that they maintain their qualifications and competencies in providing care.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.88B.031, 18.88A.130
Substitute Bill: 18.88B.031, 18.88A.130