Credential Check: What Caregivers Need to Work in Washington Adult Family Homes

In Washington State, providing care in an Adult Family Home (AFH) is a role that comes with significant responsibility, and ensuring caregivers have the proper credentials isn't just good practice—it's a legal requirement and fundamental to resident safety. At Precision Assess, we understand the critical importance of a well-trained and properly certified care team for the success and compliance of your AFH.

This post breaks down the essential credentials caregivers need to work in AFHs, helping both caregivers and AFH owners navigate the requirements.

Why Credentials Matter

Caregiver credentialing in Washington State is more than a formality. It's a legal requirement designed to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable adults in AFHs. Well-trained caregivers reduce risk, improve resident outcomes, and offer peace of mind to families and providers. It forms the foundation of trust and safety in AFHs.

Required Courses & Certifications

To work legally and effectively in a Washington AFH, caregivers typically need several key certifications and training components:

• Home Care Aide (HCA) Certification: The cornerstone is the 75-hour HCA certification, which includes Orientation, Safety, and Basic Training.

• Exemptions: Some caregivers may be exempt from the HCA certification if they are Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).

• Specialty Training: If caregivers work with residents diagnosed with dementia or mental illness, they must complete 30 hours of specialty training. This includes 8 hours for dementia, 8 hours for mental health, and an additional 4 hours in other specialty topics.

• CPR/First Aid Certification: This is a required certification and must be kept current at all times.

• Food Handling Permit: If caregivers are involved in preparing or serving food to residents, they are required to have a food handling permit.

• Background Check: Before working with vulnerable adults, a background check must be conducted through DSHS and cleared.

Keeping Credentials Current: Renewal & Continuing Education

Credentials are not a one-time achievement; they require ongoing maintenance to ensure caregivers remain up-to-date with best practices and regulations:

• Annual HCA License Renewal: The Home Care Aide (HCA) license must be renewed every year.

• Continuing Education: Caregivers need to complete 12 hours of continuing education annually to renew their HCA license.

• Specialty Training Records: While specialty credentials like Dementia Specialty training don't require annual renewal, training records for these courses must be retained.

• Tracking Expiration Dates: For AFH providers, it is important to track the expiration dates of all staff credentials to avoid compliance issues. Keeping a central credential log for staff is a smart practice and can help during audits.

Understanding the Caregiver Scope of Practice

Beyond certifications, it is vital that caregivers understand their scope of practice—that is, the tasks they can and cannot perform according to Washington law.

• Allowed Tasks: Generally, caregivers can assist residents with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), monitor vital signs, and provide companionship.

• Tasks Requiring Nurse Delegation: Certain tasks, such as administering specific medications or performing procedures like insulin injections, can only be performed by caregivers under the supervision of nurse delegation.

• Risks of Overstepping: Performing tasks outside their training and certification, even by mistake, can lead to serious legal and health risks. Caregivers should always ask themselves, "Is this task within my training and certification?" and consult the delegating nurse if unsure.

Supporting Your Care Team & Ensuring Compliance

For AFH owners and providers, ensuring your team is compliant, trained, and well-supported is key. Credentialing is the foundation, but ongoing support and understanding of requirements like nurse delegation are crucial.

At Precision Assess, we specialize in supporting AFHs. We offer services like caregiver assessments, nurse delegations, and compliance consulting to help keep your home running smoothly and your team properly credentialed and supported.

Understanding and maintaining proper caregiver credentials is not just about meeting legal minimums; it's about building a strong, safe, and trustworthy care environment for residents. Take the time to verify qualifications, track renewals, and ensure your team understands their scope of practice.

Ready to ensure your caregivers are properly credentialed and your AFH is compliant?

If you need assistance verifying caregiver qualifications, conducting nurse delegations, or scheduling compliance assessments, reach out to us at www.precisionassess.com.