*** CHANGE IN 2012 *** (SEE INITIATIVE MEASURE NO. 1163) ***

The following long-term care workers are not required to become a certified home care aide pursuant to this chapter.

     (1) Registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants or persons who are in an approved training program for certified nursing assistants under chapter 18.88A RCW, medicare-certified home health aides, or other persons who hold a similar health credential, as determined by the secretary of health, or persons with special education training and an endorsement granted by the superintendent of public instruction, as described in RCW 28A.300.010, if the secretary of health determines that the circumstances do not require certification. After December 31, 2013, individuals exempted by this subsection may obtain certification as a home care aide from the department of health without fulfilling the training requirements in RCW 74.39A.073 but must successfully complete a certification examination pursuant to RCW 18.88B.030.

     (2) A person already employed as a long-term care worker prior to January 1, 2014, who completes all of his or her training requirements in effect as of the date he or she was hired, is not required to obtain certification. After December 31, 2013, individuals exempted by this subsection may obtain certification as a home care aide from the department of health without fulfilling the training requirements in RCW 74.39A.073 but must successfully complete a certification examination pursuant to RCW 18.88B.030.

     (3) All long-term care workers employed by supported living providers are not required to obtain certification under this chapter.

     (4) An individual provider caring only for his or her biological, step, or adoptive child or parent is not required to obtain certification under this chapter.

     (5) A long-term care worker exempted by this section from the training requirements contained in RCW 74.39A.073 may not be prohibited from enrolling in training pursuant to that section.

     (6) The department of health shall adopt rules by August 1, 2013, to implement this section.

[2011 1st sp.s. c 31 § 3; 2010 c 169 § 11; 2009 c 580 § 15; 2009 c 2 § 7 (Initiative Measure No. 1029, approved November 4, 2008).]

NOTES:

     Effective date -- 2011 1st sp.s. c 31: See note following RCW 18.88B.020.

     Conflict with federal requirements -- 2010 c 169: See note following RCW 18.88A.010.

     Intent -- Findings -- Construction -- Severability -- Short title -- 2009 c 2 (Initiative Measure No. 1029): See notes following RCW 18.88B.020.

Training requirements for individual providers caring for family members: RCW 74.39A.075.