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The Washington State Department of Health (department) filed the emergency rules to extend the certification timeline for long-term care workers applying for home care aide certification, as authorized by Senate Bill 5672 (chapter 341, Laws of 2025).
The department implemented the new certification timeline of 365-days from the date of hire, or 425-days from the date of hire for a provisional certification - an extension from the current certification timeline requirements. This change is intended to provide caregivers and employers additional support and flexibility during the certification process and aligns with ongoing efforts to reduce barriers in the long-term care workforce.
The emergency rules have been filed as of today, August 25, 2025, under WSR 25-18-034. The department determines that this emergency rule is retroactive for individuals who are currently pending a home care aide certification. This emergency rule will expire on December 31, 2027.
*Corrected table below of examples for clarification:
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You are over 365-days since your date of hire and you are currently pending certification.
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Your certification timeline may be re-set to 365-days if you submit a new Employment Verification Form to the department with valid re-hire date.
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You are no longer able to work because you are over the original 200-day certification timeline and are currently pending certification.
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Your certification timeline is re-set to 365-days from your date of hire, so you may continue working.
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You apply for certification on or before December 31, 2027, with a hire date on or before December 31, 2027.
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Your certification timeline will be 365-days from your date of hire.
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You apply for certification after December 31, 2027, regardless of hire date.
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Your certification timeline will be 200-days from your date of hire.
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If you have any questions, please contact the Home Care Aide program at homecareaide@doh.wa.gov.
Be Well!
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