Beginning the caregiver search for a loved one in need of at-home care can sometimes feel like a huge undertaking. Home health care is a wide field, with several different kinds of professionals working in the field, with different and overlapping roles, requirements, and responsibilities. Understanding Arizona caregiver laws can help those looking for caregiving services better navigate the industry, and what it requires and expects of those who work in it, helping them make more informed choices around care. Let’s begin!
Who is Your Caregiver?
According to Arizona caregiver laws and regulations, there are different types of caregiver certifications that have different requirements for training and scope of practice. Let’s take a look at the requirements to work as a Home Health Aide (HHA), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNA), and a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Arizona.
HHA
Arizona follows the federal requirements for HHAs, requiring 75 hours of training, 16 of those being clinical. They must also receive at least twelve hours of in-service training every year, which has to be overseen by a registered nurse.
The role of an HHA is to provide patients with personal, not medical care. Home Health Aides help with hygiene-related care, such as bathing, as well as assisting patients and clients with mobility issues, as well as making sure they’re in a safe and healthy environment.
CNA and LNA
Many people who work as caregivers have received certification as a CNA and/or LNA. Designated as two separate roles by the Arizona Board of Nursing in 2016, CNAs and LNAs are extremely similar positions, with some minor differentiations. To receive certification through state-approved programs, applicants must be at least 16 years old and complete a minimum of 120 hours of theory, laboratory, and clinical training. Many programs also require background checks. They must then pass a state competency exam to be listed on the registry as a LNA or a CNA. Registry CNA applicants will automatically receive certification after meeting requirements.
One of the key differences between CNAs and LNAs is the amount of oversight they receive from the Arizona Board of Nursing. While practice issues for CNAs are the jurisdiction of the Office of Inspector General (OIG), LNA practice concerns and issues are investigated and settled by the Board of Nursing. Because of this, becoming an LNA requires an additional application and fingerprint background check. CNA certification renewal requires eight hours of work every two years, as well, while LNAs need 160 hours in two years to renew their licenses.
In terms of practice, there is some overlap between the tasks carried out by HHAs and LNAs/CNAs, such as helping maintain a patient’s environment and assisting them with personal care. However, LNAs and CNAs may also perform basic medical nursing assistant tasks. These include taking vitals, height and weight, assisting with diagnostic tests, applying clean bandages, and helping to provide care to people who have drains and tubes, such as feeding tubes or catheters.
According to Arizona caregiver laws, LNAs may administer medication in certain situations as delegated by an LPN or RN, while CNAs may not. Additionally, All nursing or nursing-related services provided by or assisted by an LNA or CNA must be under the supervision of a LPN or a RN.
LPN
Becoming an LPN in Arizona requires completing an accredited practical nursing program, a 1-2 year process, as well as passing the National Council Licensure Examination. An LPN can perform basic nursing tests like giving patients medicine, updating records, and assisting other nurses. They can also delegate and assign tasks to nursing assistants.
Arizona Caregiver Laws & Regulations
While Arizona caregiver laws and regulations mostly work in accordance with federal requirements, there has been some state specific regulation affecting in-home care agencies, such as A.A.C. R9-10-113, dictating that health care institutions follow federal recommendations regarding screening for and preventing the spread of tuberculosis (TB).
Additionally, as of 2015, in accordance with ARS 36-144, all in-home care businesses in the state must disclose several pieces of information to its clients. This information includes whether or not they have conducted background checks on employees and contractors providing care, the name of the person managing employees and contractors, required training for employees and contractors, the services provided by the organization, and the details of the business’s home care services agreements, as well as how that agreement may be terminated. Violating this law is a class 3 misdemeanor for each violation, with a maximum penalty or $500 or 30 days in jail.
Benefits of Using a Qualified Home Health Agency
When it comes time to hire a caregiver for yourself or for a loved one, understanding Arizona caregiver laws and how they impact your options can feel daunting. This is why many people choose to hire caregivers through a home health agency, instead of hiring independent contractors to provide care.
Hiring independent workers to provide care runs the risk of that worker falling out of compliance with federal and state of Arizona caregiver laws and regulations, such as potential gaps in training due to a lack of oversight and outside supervision. There’s also an increased risk of liability for the hiring family; Independent caregivers are not bonded or licensed by an agency, meaning that the hiring party may be liable if a caregiver is injured or becomes disabled in the patient’s home. Running a background check on the independent caregiver would also fall to the hiring party, which could get costly.
Agencies, on the other hand, actively work to ensure compliance with all federal and state of Arizona caregiver laws, requirements, and regulations. Agencies run extensive background checks on the individuals they hire to provide care. They also offer regular supervision and accountability for the trained and licensed caregivers they employ, as well as insurance and liability coverage.
Trust Brightwood Health with Your Home Healthcare Needs
When trying to find the best possible caregiver for yourself or your loved one, it helps to understand the training required for caregiving professionals, as well as relevant laws and requirements around the profession. However, it also helps to work with a qualified home health agency that can provide a curated, qualified pool of professionals.
Let Brightwood Health be that organization for you! Our team of competent, compassionate care professionals strive every day to provide the highest possible level of care possible. Depending on what exactly that care may entail, we offer a range of specialized services at reasonable, structured prices.
At Brightwood Health, we strive to help our clients live their best, fullest lives possible. To tell us more about how we can accomplish that for your loved one, contact us or give us a call at (480)-718-7180 today!