Training Standards for Personal Care Aides Across States: An Assessment of Current Standards and Leading Examples

TitleTraining Standards for Personal Care Aides Across States: An Assessment of Current Standards and Leading Examples
Publication TypeReport
Year of Publication2025
AuthorsKing, J, Scales, K, Chapman, S
Date Published01/2025
InstitutionUCSF Health Workforce Research Center on Long-Term Care
CitySan Francisco
Keywordsconsistency, consumer-direction, home care, Medicaid, personal care aides, portability, private pay, rigor, training requirements
Abstract

As the largest occupational group in the United States (combined with home health aides), personal care aides (PCAs) provide care for millions of Americans. Despite the size of the workforce, PCAs still struggle with unaddressed job quality challenges – inadequate training being primary among them. Unlike other direct care workers, PCAs have no federal minimum training requirements, leading to a patchwork of training programs across the country.