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Hearing on streamlining home‑care worker background checks spotlights long delays and gaps in paid care
Summary
Caregivers, union representatives and employers testified in favor of House Bill 13 95, which would streamline background checks and allow home‑care workers to continue paid work for up to 30 days while certain character, competence and suitability (CCNS) reviews proceed.
Supporters of House Bill 13 95 urged the Senate Health & Long Term Care Committee to streamline the state’s background check process for long‑term home‑care workers, saying current procedures cause unpaid interruptions in care and disproportionately harm immigrant and non‑English‑speaking caregivers.
Shane Trescott, vice president of SEIU 775 (the caregivers’ union), said Washington has strong caregiver standards but an unwieldy review system: "Based on a 2024 survey of our membership, 20 percent of caregivers reported having issues going through this process," Trescott said, and delays often pull caregivers out of paid client care while…
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