Washington state extended the deadline for Individual Providers (IP) credential requirements.
- For all IPs hired on or after 8/17/2019 credential deadlines were extended based on hire date.
- IPs hired before 8/17/2019 are expected to be compliant with all credential requirements.
Below are the updated deadlines for the home care aide (HCA) credential or qualifying equivalent:
| Your hire date | Must be certified by |
|---|---|
| 8/17/2019 to 9/30/2020 | 1/31/2024 |
| 10/1/2020 to 4/30/2021 | 4/30/2024 |
| 5/1/2021 to 3/31/2022 | 7/31/2024 |
| 4/1/2022 to 9/30/2022 | 10/31/2024 |
| 10/1/2022 to 6/30/2023 | 1/31/2025 |
| 7/1/2023 to 1/31/2024 | 4/30/2025 |
| On or after 2/1/2024 | 200 days from hire date |
If your credential is up to date, no action is required.
My credential is not up to date. How do I get or renew my credential?
Get or renew your credential with the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). They accept credential renewals online, by mail, or in person.
Your credential expiration date determines what you need to do to meet your HCA credential or qualifying equivalent requirement. Please review the table below.
Need to find your credential expiration date? You can use the DOH Provider Credential Search tool to find your credential expiration date. (Be sure to click Exact when searching by name.)
| HCA Status | What You Need to Do |
|---|---|
| No credential | Get HCA credential or qualifying equivalent by your credential deadline. |
| Expired credential – less than 6 months | Renew HCA credential by your credential deadline.
|
| Expired credential – more than 6 months but less than 2 years | No action required. From September 1, 2023 through July 1, 2025, your HCA credential will automatically renew.
|
| Expired credential – more than 2 years but less than 5 years | Renew HCA credential by your credential deadline.
|
| Expired credential – more than 5 years | Renew HCA credential by your credential deadline.
|
Visit the DOH website to learn more about credentials.
Have questions or need help? Call the DOH at 360-236-4700 or email hsqa.csc@doh.wa.gov.
Important: If your address has changed, please update your address with the DOH. The DOH will mail your renewal notice and updated credential to the address they have on file. The U.S. Postal Service doesn’t forward DOH mail. It is your responsibility to inform the DOH of an address change. Please use the DOH Contact Information Change Form to update your address.
- Access the online form here: fortress.wa.gov/doh/opinio/s?s=CICF
- You find find more information here: doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/change-your-contact-address-name-or-personal-status-information
I don’t know if my credential is up to date. Where can I check the status?
You can see your current status on the DirectMyCare web portal. Follow the instructions below to view your status. DO NOT click the qualifications button on the DirectMyCare web portal home page.
Step 1: Sign into DirectMyCare.com.
Step 2: Click on your name in the upper right of the home page. This brings you to your User Profile.
Step 3: Scroll to the bottom of the page. Review your Qualifications. For help reading your qualifications, please review our frequently asked questions.
If your credential is not up to date, please complete by the deadline, or you will not be paid for any care you provide as an IP.
If you believe your credential listed in the DirectMyCare web portal is incorrect, submit an IP Training/Credential Correction Request in Workday. Detailed instructions are available here.