Authority of department. (Effective July 1, 2026.)
RCW 18.88B.060
in effect(1) The department has the authority to: (a) Establish forms, procedures, and examinations necessary to certify home care aides pursuant to this chapter; (b) Hire clerical, administrative, and investigative staff as needed to implement this section; (c) Issue certification as a home care aide to any applicant who has successfully completed the home care aide examination, and renew such certificates; (d) Maintain the official record of all applicants and persons with certificates; (e) Exercise disciplinary authority as authorized in chapter 18.130 RCW, except that the state board of nursing has disciplinary authority over nursing assistants licensed under chapter 18.88A RCW working as long-term care workers under this chapter; and (f) Deny certification to applicants who do not meet training, competency examination, and conduct requirements, including background checks, for certification. (2) The department shall adopt rules that establish the procedures, including criteria for reviewing an applicant's state and federal background checks, and examinations necessary to implement this section.
(1) The department has the authority to:
(a) Establish forms, procedures, and examinations necessary to certify home care aides pursuant to this chapter;
(b) Hire clerical, administrative, and investigative staff as needed to implement this section;
(c) Issue certification as a home care aide to any applicant who has successfully completed the home care aide examination, and renew such certificates;
(d) Maintain the official record of all applicants and persons with certificates;
(e) Exercise disciplinary authority as authorized in chapter 18.130 RCW, except that the state board of nursing has disciplinary authority over nursing assistants licensed under chapter 18.88A RCW working as long-term care workers under this chapter; and
(f) Deny certification to applicants who do not meet training, competency examination, and conduct requirements, including background checks, for certification.
(2) The department shall adopt rules that establish the procedures, including criteria for reviewing an applicant's state and federal background checks, and examinations necessary to implement this section.
Source: WA Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=18.88B&full=trueFetched: 6/29/2026