State Recommended
Courses
Caregiver
Training
Certification
Online
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Hours of
Online
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Leadership
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Title: Direct Service Worker
Min. Initial Training Hours: 16
Continuing Education Hours: 8
State-Specific Curriculum Criteria: Yes
In Louisiana, Direct Service Worker is an unlicensed person who provides personal care or other services and support to persons with disabilities or to the elderly to enhance their well-being, and who is involved in face-to-face direct contact with the person. They must adhere to stringent qualifications and acquire essential skills mandated by state regulations to provide exceptional care. This involves:
Note: Regulations may evolve, so staying informed and aligned with the latest training requirements from state regulatory bodies is imperative.
In Louisiana, the caregiving landscape is rapidly evolving in response to the increasing needs of an aging population. With a projected 44% increase in adults aged 65 and above by 2030, the demand for Direct Service Workers (DSWs) is reaching critical levels. The state enforces strict regulations to meet the increasing demand for comprehensive, specialized care, especially in underserved areas.
Caregivers and agencies are confronted with a complex array of regulations and diverse needs, spanning from basic assistance with daily activities to complex medical care. To thrive in this environment, both caregivers and agencies must navigate these complex regulations effectively.
Here’s a quick breakdown to ensure you’re on the right track:
Licensure
Home Health Agencies are licensed by the Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals (DHH) under Chapter 91, while Non-Medical Home Care Agencies are licensed by the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) under Chapter 22 of the LAC.
Training is Mandatory
DSWs are not individually licensed, but must complete specific training outlined by DHH, covering 14 broad topics within 45 days of employment.
Practice Scope
In Louisiana, DSW practice varies – medical settings allow tasks delegated by a supervising healthcare professional, while non-medical settings limit to non-medical ADL assistance, like bathing, dressing, eating, and toileting.
Exempted Workers
Personal care aides employed directly by consumers through private-pay arrangements are exempt from state training.
Ready to answer Louisiana’s call for caregiving? Join the wave of compassionate caregivers and agencies making a difference in the lives of seniors.
Equip caregivers with essential skills tailored to your agency's needs. Upskill administrators, managers, and office staff in leadership, communication, and team management.
230+ online caregiver and leadership training courses, with over 185 engaging hours of content to effectively equip and train your caregivers and home care agency staff.
Create personalized learning journeys, tailoring training to specific roles and expertise areas such as Alzheimer's and dementia care, infection control, and restorative care.
Easily track and report on assignments, completion status, quiz scores, and the individual caregiver's overall progress with our Progress Monitoring system.
Equip your caregivers with content that adheres to the US CMS HHA Conditions of Participation for home health aide services.
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Experience seamless on-the-go learning for caregivers, providing unmatched flexibility in diverse work environments.
The initial training for Direct Service Workers in Louisiana is 16 hours. Additionally, they are required to complete 8 hours of continuing education annually to maintain and update their skills and knowledge.
Providers are responsible for creating oral or written competency evaluations on the training topics required for direct care staff. They must maintain training records to demonstrate compliance with state regulations. Workers who have completed training with a previous employer and can provide proof of competency may be exempt from retraining.
The Louisiana Department of Health & Hospitals (DHH) and the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC) are responsible for setting and enforcing caregiver training regulations in Louisiana.
Yes, we proudly ensure our training aligns with US CMS HHA Conditions Participation for home health aide services! From infection control to client rights, our courses empower caregivers with the skills needed for compliant and quality care. Dive into our specific course descriptions for in-depth details.
Here are the benefits of training certification for agencies and caregivers:
Overall, certification signifies a dedication to professionalism and high-quality care, enhancing your client's trust in your abilities.
