This bill aims to standardize the basic training and certification requirements for long-term care workers providing in-home care for family members, including spouses and domestic partners. It amends existing laws, specifically RCW 18.88B.041 and 74.39A.076, to clarify the exemptions from certification for certain long-term care workers. Notably, the bill introduces new language that specifies that long-term care workers providing in-home care for their child, parent, sibling, aunt, uncle, cousin, niece, nephew, grandparent, or grandchild are exempt from certification, as well as those providing care for a spouse or domestic partner. Additionally, it establishes training requirements for these workers, including 12 hours of training for parents of developmentally disabled children and 15 hours for spouses or domestic partners.

The bill also outlines the training requirements for long-term care workers who provide respite care and those who work less than 300 hours annually. It mandates that only training curriculum approved by the department can be used to fulfill these requirements, ensuring that the training is developed with input from consumer and worker representatives and delivered by qualified instructors. Furthermore, the bill allows for flexibility in training completion during emergencies, such as pandemics or natural disasters, by permitting the department to extend deadlines as necessary. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance the quality of care provided by long-term care workers while ensuring that they receive appropriate training and support.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 18.88B.041, 74.39A.076