Why WA’s certification process for home care aides is getting bogged down

By: Jake Goldstein-Street

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: July 28, 2026

Words: 1,250

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 1 day ago

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It’s been 15 years since Washington voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot initiative setting new standards for training and certifying home care aides.

But while the changes included in Initiative 1163 have improved safety for people receiving care, the certification process for aides has been rife with bottlenecks, according to a new state audit. Most prospective aides don’t even finish the process.

While Washington, like the rest of the nation, faces a shortage …

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