In the state of California, Home Care Aides must be registered through the California Home Care Aide Registry. Home Care Aide’s (HCA’s) can be registered through a licensed Home Care Agency or as an Independent Home Care Aide. The California caregiver requirements are the same no matter if the caregiver is employed through an agency or acts as an independent private caregiver.
In this article I will walk you through the requirements for someone to be a caregiver in the state of California, including any licenses, certifications, or training needed. If you are looking to hire a private caregiver, make sure you ask about their home care aide registration and ask them to provide you with a copy. If they are not already registered, you can provide them with this article.
If you are interested in becoming a caregiver, read through the necessary requirements and follow the instructions to get registered.
I was operating my in-home care agency when these licensing regulations went into effect in California so I am intimately familiar with this process. If this article doesn’t answer your questions, please reach out to me. I’d be happy to help you navigate this.
What is a Home Care Aide?
An independent Home Care Aide is defined as an individual, 18 years of age or older, who is not employed by a home care organization, but who is listed on the home care aide registry and is providing home care services through an agreement directly with a client.
A home care aide, by definition, is the same thing as a Caregiver. Typical job responsibilities include providing non-medical care for a specific client. This could include personal care, homemaking services, personal assistance, companionship, and assisting with errands.
A caregiver may register as an independent Home Care Aide initially and decide at a later point to work for a Home Care Agency. In that case, the Home Care Organization may request a transfer of the Home Care Aide’s registration (including background clearance or criminal record exemption) once the Home Care Aide is registered on the Home Care Aide Registry.
Licenses / Certifications Required
In California, being a private, non-medical caregiver does not require that you have a special license. However, some typical caregiver duties may require specific certifications, such as a medication administration certification. A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Home Health Aide (HHA) do require certifications as their job descriptions require more hands-on personal care.
Requirements to be a Caregiver in California
In order to become a Registered Home Care Aide in the State of California there are a few requirements. You must:
1. Complete the Home Care Aide Registry Application
2. Submit LiveScan fingerprints
3. Pay the 2-year registration fee ($35.00)
4. Complete Statement of Prior Criminal Records (LIC 508)
5. Complete Mandated Reporter Acknowledgement (SOC 341A)
6. Have a TB clearance within 90 days prior to application or within 7 days after completing your application
Training Requirements
Once the application process is completed, all HCAs must undergo some initial training. There are also annual training requirements.
Initial, Entry-Level Training
Prior to working with a client, you must complete 5 hours of entry-level training (2 hours of orientation and 3 hours of training)
If you decide to go to work for a licensed home care agency, they will provide the initial entry-level training. Or, you can use an online training program such as the Caregiver Training University by CaregiverList if you are registering as an independent caregiver.
Either way, hold on to your training certificate as it is transferable and can be used to prove that you have undergone the initial training should you change employers or clients.
Annual Training
In order to maintain your certification you must complete 5 hours of annual training (with verification) by an approved training organization
Again, if you work for a licensed home care agency, they will provide the annual training needed to fulfill the state requirements. Otherwise, you can use an online training program that fulfills the requirements of the state of California.
Let’s Get Started
Now that you know what’s required, let’s get started. Below are the steps to register as a Home Care Aide in California.
1. Complete the Home Care Aide Registry Application
2. Submit LiveScan fingerprints
- Complete the LiveScan Request Form (Form LIC 9163)
- Take it to an approved LiveScan vendor and submit your fingerprints. Visit the California Department of Justice website for a list of approved LiveScan vendors in your area.
- If you have questions regarding the processing of your background check, please contact the Caregiver Background Check Bureau at (888) 422-5669.
3. Pay the 2-year registration fee ($35.00)
- If you use the online registration process you can pay your fees online.
- If you use the paper application process, you can mail the completed application, the criminal record statement (LIC 508), and the $35.00 application fee (via check or money order) to the HCSB at: California Department of Social ServicesHome Care Services Bureau, 744 P Street, M.S. 9-14-90, Sacramento, CA 95814
4. Complete Statement of Prior Criminal Records (LIC 508)
- Included in the online application
5. Complete Mandated Reporter Acknowledgement (SOC 341A)
- Included in the online application
6. Have a TB clearance
- Within 90 days prior to application or within 7 days after completing your application
That’s it!
That’s all it takes to become a registered Home Care Aide in the state of California. It’s a profession that will be full of rewards as well as personal and professional growth. Let me know in the comments below if you have any questions. Or, if you’ve been through this process, let me know how it went for you.
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Thank you so much for all informations.
My concern is the TB text.
I have my chest X-ray done in GA 2 years ago. Do I still have to get another TB text done?
Hi Rose. I believe TB tests are good for 2 years in California assuming you have not had a past positive test. So, it sounds like you may need to get another one done. You can also check with the Home Care Services Bureau at the following link for more information. https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/community-care/home-care-services/resources-for-home-care-aides.
What is the age limit to become a caregiver? I know a 68 year old that just signed up for this. Isn’t there an age limit for a caregiver?
What is the age limit for a caregiver?? I know someone who is 68 years old! And signed up with the state to be a caregiver. Is this ok? Is there an age limit?
I am wondering, Is this application process good anywhere ? I noticed, application is sent to Sacramento! I am presently living in Oceanside, CA.
Do I need to apply in Oceanside or San Diego?
Lis
Hi Lisa,
The CA Home Care Aide Registry application is sent to Sacramento and is good for the whole state of California. Once you apply, you will be registered on the statewide registry. If you apply locally to work for a Home Care Agency in Oceanside or San Diego, you can show them that you’re registered as they will want to know that. If you are not already registered, most home care agencies will help you with the application process. Best to you.
Vic