FAQs on COVID-19 Vaccine Requirement

The HCAOA Washington Chapter/WAHCA recently met with representatives from the Department of Health to seek clarification about the requirements for In-Home Services Providers under the Governor's Proclamation for COVID-19 Vaccinations (21-14).

Yesterday, DOH released a frequently asked questions document about the vaccine requirements, including this response specifically related to home care:

Q. I provide home care, home health, or hospice care services; does this apply to me? What if I work in clients’ or patients’ homes?

A. It depends. The proclamation does not apply to the categories of individuals who provide only personal care services in a client or patient’s home. The definition of personal care services is available at RCW 74.39A.009(24).

Individuals with a Department of Health credential who only provide assistance with activities of daily living in a client or patient’s home as part of a home care, home health or hospice agency, or as a Department of Social and Health Services individual provider, are not required to be vaccinated under the proclamation. For example, a family member working under contract as an individual provider providing personal care services to another family member is not required to be vaccinated.

Credentialed individuals working for home health and hospice agencies who provide services beyond personal care are considered health care providers and must demonstrate proof of vaccination. And home care aides working in health care settings outside clients’ or patients’ home must meet the requirement.