Initiative 1029

On November 4, 2008 the Washington voters passed initiative 1029. The initiative requires the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to develop the home care aide profession. Under the initiative, certain long-term care workers will have 150 days from the day they start working to be trained and certified as a home care aide. DSHS will do background checks on applicants and set the training curricula. DOH will develop and administer a written and skills examination and credential applicants. Both agencies will complete the rulemaking process for the initiative. The agencies will be able to share information on background checks, training, continuing education, and credential status.The initiative requires this work be completed by January 1, 2011.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at Homecareaides@doh.wa.gov.