State guide
Washington Home Care Compliance
All six compliance areas for Washington home care agencies, each cited to official sources.
Last reviewed: July 24, 2026
Washington at a glance Washington licenses all in-home services under one statute — RCW 70.127 — with home care, home health, and hospice service categories on the in-home services agency license. Washington has the highest statewide minimum wage: $17.13 in 2026 (indexed; Seattle and several cities go higher), overtime over 40 hours, universal paid sick leave at 1 hour per 40 worked, and pay transparency in every job posting.
Requirements by category
Health Benefits & ACA → Washington runs Washington Healthplanfinder with Cascade Care public-option plans, operates one of the largest PFML programs plus the WA… WA HealthplanfinderYesNo Occupational Health → Washington's in-home services licensing rules (chapter 246-335 WAC) require a TB risk assessment for every new employee at hire and… RequiredFrom 1st employee (state fund) Caregiver Training → Washington has the nation's strictest home care training regime: most long-term care workers at licensed in-home services agencies must… 75 + exam (HCA cert)75 + exam (HCA cert)12 hrs/yr CE Wage & Hour → Washington has the highest statewide minimum wage: $17.13 in 2026 (indexed; Seattle and several cities go higher), overtime over 40 hours,… $17.131.5x >40Yes (1:40, no cap) Licensure & Survey Readiness → Washington licenses all in-home services under one statute — RCW 70.127 — with home care, home health, and hospice service categories on… WA Dept. of HealthRCW 70.127; WAC 246-335In-home services agency (home… Background Checks → Washington requires all long-term care workers, including home care agency aides, to pass a name/DOB check every two years and an FBI… YesDSHS findings (abuse/neglect);…
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Reviewed quarterly by Vitable Health.