When my Multiple Sclerosis symptoms progressed, I found myself in urgent need of hiring a caregiver. Like many, I turned to reputed platforms such as Care.com to find help, trusting that the caregivers vetted through these channels would be reliable and professional.

Unfortunately, my experience was a harsh awakening. The first Home Care Assistant (HCA) I hired took advantage of my vulnerability, robbing me of prescription medications, money, jewelry, and credit cards. Despite going through four years of legal battles, including protection orders and continuances, the individual only served a minimal six-month sentence. Seeking help from a reputed franchise brought further disappointment when another certified caregiver, with 16 felonies and 4 aliases, entered my home. Despite their criminal histories, they both currently possess valid caregiver certificates.

This issue is widespread in Washington, where many caregivers are not required to disclose their certification status, nor are criminal background checks mandatory for employment. Statistics show that 1 in 5 caregivers nationwide have some form of criminal background, creating a deceptive layer of safety for those in need of genuine care.

According to the Washington Administrative Code § 388-71-0523 and RCW 18.88B.021, RCW 18.88B.041, caregivers are required to earn certification within 200 calendar days of their hire. Yet, without transparency and enforced regulations on certification disclosure, families are left vulnerable, entrusting their loved ones to potentially dangerous caregivers.

It is not my intent to criticize caregivers at large. I have hired infinitely more wonderful, trustworthy, capable, compassionate caregivers than otherwise.

I have learned:  Anybody, anytime, anywhere on any website, franchise, nursing home, or assisted living facility can identify themselves as a caregiver.

Businesses have 200 days to require new employees get their DSHS HCA certification. A 120 day extension is granted easily. The background check may not happen until DSHS receives an application for caregiver certification. We’re hiring caregivers to help veterans, parents, grandparents, neighbors, and maybe you .

We must try harder to protect the most vulnerable population.

This petition urges the Washington State Department of Health and Human Services to mandate all franchised Home Care agencies, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities in Washington to disclose the certification status of caregivers, ensuring that potential hires are adequately certified and free from criminal backgrounds.

By implementing this change, we can protect our families and ensure that those requiring care receive it in a safe and secure environment. I urge everyone who values these protections to sign this petition and demand change from our state legislature. Together, we can make caregiving a trustworthy and safe service for all Washingtonians.

Links

WSP Watch

https://watch.wsp.wa.gov

DSHS Provider Credential Search

https://fortress.wa.gov/doh/providercredentialsearch/

Odyssey

https://dw.courts.wa.gov/index.cfm?fa=home.namelist