Abstract
Before new training standards took effect in Washington State in 2012, prior standards for personal care aides (PCAs) were uniform but inadequate. In response, the regional home care union passed a ballot initiative that expanded curricular learning objectives, increased training hours, and introduced certification requirements for all PCAs. With these changes, Washington raised the bar nationwide for PCA training and certification; however, home care leaders remain concerned that certification rates are too low. This report is part of a three-part series focusing on states that have led the way in developing PCA training standards. Specifically, we ask: what was the need for new PCA training standards in Washington? How did home care leaders address that need? And how were the new training standards implemented and accepted? PHI | 400 East Fordham Road, 11th Floor • Bronx, New York 10458 • Phone: 718-402-7766