Direct Care Worker (DCW) Registry and Education Survey Reveals Information Gaps

Education of DCWs About the Purpose of the DCW Registry and Steps to Remain Active on the DCW Registry is Needed                          

It is important to note that Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) who work in nursing homes do not have a state-approved continuing education standard that is linked to their maintaining their eligibility to work by being on the active DCW Registry. Nursing home providers are required to provide 12 hours of in-service for staff, but those hours are not considered continuing education and therefore, do NOT keep CNAs active on the DCW Registry.  CNAs must work 8 hours in a 24-month period in state approved settings to retain their active status.  The settings that qualify were expanded to certified hospitals, ambulatory surgery centers, home health agencies, and hospices in 2017. Employers in these additional settings can submit employment verification to Department of Inspections and Appeals to keep DCWs active on the Registry. However, many employers do not report employment which can be problematic for DCWs who may be transitioning to a different job or move to a different location in the state.

Click here to view Combined Data from Active and No Employment Registry

Click here to view Only DCWs from Active Registry

Click here to view Only DCWs from the No Employment Registry