Home Care Aide Laws

The RCW and WAC that directly relate to Home Care Aides:

Revised Code of Washington: Chapter 18.88B RCW
Washington Administrative Code: Chapter 246-980 WAC

Revised Code of Washington (RCW)

A statute or Revised Code of Washington (RCW) is written by the Washington State Legislature. Once legislation is signed by the governor, it becomes law.

The website for RCWs is a searchable database online. You may also access the state government website. If you're interested in obtaining a copy of any RCW, contact your local public library.

Other Relevant RCWs are:

Chapter 19.68 RCW - Rebating By Practitioners of Healing Professions

Chapter 18.130 RCW - Regulation of Health Professions – Uniform Disciplinary Act

RCW 26.44.030 - Abuse of Children and Adult Dependent Persons

Chapter 34.05 RCW - Administrative Procedures Act

Chapter 42.56 RCW - Public Records Act

Chapter 70.02 RCW - Medical Records-Health Care Information Access and Disclosure

RCW 70.225.020 - Prescription Monitoring Program

Chapter 74.34 RCW - Abuse of Vulnerable Adults

Chapter 71.05 RCW - Mental Illness

Washington Administrative Code (WAC)

A rule or Washington Administrative Code (WAC) is written to provide interpretive support for the individuals or entities to whom the rule applies. Department of Health rules are written and adopted by a board or commission, or the secretary of the Department of Health. Rules or WACs carry the full force of the law.

WACs are available on the state government website.

The WACs that Relate to:

WAC 246-12 - Administrative Procedures and Requirements for Credentialed Health Care Providers

WAC 246-15 - Whistleblower Complaints in Health Care Settings

WAC 246-16 - Standards of professional conduct

Other Laws and Rules relating to Long-Term Care Workers, Training, and Home Care Aide Employers:

General Laws relating to Long-Term Care Workers:

Chapter 74.39A RCW Long-term Care Services Options – Expansion

Laws and Rules relating to Licensed Agencies and Facilities Who Employ Long-Term Care Workers:

Facilities Regulated by Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS):

Adult Family Home Laws Chapter 70.128 RCW

Adult Family Home Rules Chapter 388.76 RCW

Assisted Living Facility (formerly boarding home) Laws (Regulated by DSHS) Chapter 18.20 RCW

Assisted Living Facility (formerly boarding home) Rules Chapter 388.78A WAC

Agencies Regulated Through Department of Health:

Home Care Agency Laws Chapter 70.127 RCW

Home Care Agency Rules Chapter 246.335 WAC