Caregiver Training Requirements in Louisiana

DSW initial training. LAC 48:I Section 5055(H) requires each HCBS direct care staff member to satisfactorily complete a minimum of 16 hours of training upon hire and before providing direct care — covering client rights, confidentiality, emergency and safety procedures, universal precautions, documentation, and abuse/incident reporting — plus a basic first aid course within 45 days of hire; completed training is transferable between HCBS agencies. Source ↗

Annual competency. Direct service worker competency in required skills and tasks must be re-determined annually, and workers performing medication-related tasks must pass an annual competency evaluation under the HCBS licensing standards. Source ↗

DSW Registry. Louisiana maintains a statewide Direct Service Worker Registry; unlicensed direct care staff of HCBS providers must be registered in good standing (LAC 48:I Chapter 92), which LDH Health Standards verifies at licensing surveys. Source ↗

HHA standard (home health). Skilled home health agencies are licensed separately (LAC 48:I Chapter 91), and aides at Medicare-certified agencies follow the federal 42 CFR 484.80 standard of 75 training hours plus 12 hours annual in-service. Source ↗

75-hour HHA training standard. Under 42 CFR 484.80(b), home health aides at Medicare-certified home health agencies must complete a training program of at least 75 hours, including at least 16 hours of classroom training completed before beginning at least 16 hours of supervised practical (hands-on) training. Source ↗

Competency evaluation / CNA pathway. 42 CFR 484.80(a) allows aides to qualify by completing the 75-hour training and competency evaluation program, by passing a competency evaluation alone, or by completing a state nurse aide training and competency evaluation program (CNA) and being in good standing on the state nurse aide registry. Source ↗

12-hour annual in-service. 42 CFR 484.80(d) requires home health aides to receive at least 12 hours of in-service training during each 12-month period, which may occur while the aide is furnishing care and must be supervised by a registered nurse. Source ↗

RN trainer requirements. Under 42 CFR 484.80(b)(3) and (c)(2), classroom and supervised practical training must be performed by or under the general supervision of a registered nurse with at least 2 years of nursing experience, at least 1 year of which must be in home health care; competency evaluations must likewise be performed by an RN in consultation with other professionals. Source ↗