Bill > SB5672

This bill addresses the certification requirements for home care aides by providing additional time for long-term care workers to become certified. Specifically, the bill allows the department to adopt rules that extend the certification deadline while the state auditor completes a biennial performance audit of training requirements and competency assessments for home care aides. Under the new provisions, these rules will remain effective until 90 days after the legislative session following the 2026 audit, with an expiration date of December 31, 2027. The bill modifies existing law to reference this new extension, ensuring that long-term care workers will have more flexibility in meeting certification requirements. This extension is intended to give policymakers time to review the state auditor's recommendations and potentially adjust certification processes, while also recognizing the ongoing challenges in the home care workforce. The bill is deemed immediately necessary for public health and safety, and it was passed by the Washington State Legislature in April 2025, with approval from the Governor in May 2025.

Health and Social Services

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5672&Year=2025&Initiative=false