State auditors: Initiative 1163 improved some safety protections but certification delays hamper home‑care supply
The State Auditor's Office told JLARC that Initiative 1163 created safety measures for home care aides but that certification delays and process complexity have constrained Washington's caregiving workforce; auditors recommended streamlining testing, allowing applicants to complete training before applying, and removing DOH's redundant FBI verification. DOH and DSHS said they support the recommendations and are implementing changes.
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The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee on July 15 heard a State Auditor's Office presentation finding that Initiative 1163 — the 2011 voter-approved law creating home care aide certification requirements — established protections that can increase safety for vulnerable clients, but that lengthy certification timelines and process complexity have contributed to workforce shortages.
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