New YorkHome Health Aide (HHA) Certification Requirements

Home Health Aide training and competency requirements are established at the federal level by CMS under 42 CFR §484.36. HHAs working for Medicare-certified home health agencies must complete at least 75 hours of training (including 16 hours of supervised practical/clinical training) and pass a competency evaluation administered by an RN. States may require additional hours beyond this federal minimum.

State Registry

New York Home Care Aide Registry (DOH)

Additional State Requirements

New York requires 76 hours of training. HHA certification is through NYS Department of Health.

HHA requirements vary by state. While the federal minimum is 75 hours of training, some states require significantly more. All states require criminal background checks and abuse registry screening. HHAs must be listed on their state's nurse aide registry or equivalent HHA registry to maintain active certification.

Training Program Details

76-hour state-approved HHA training program covering classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice. Training must be provided by a Medicare-certified home health agency or an approved educational institution.

Skills Covered in Training

HHA training programs must be approved by the state and include both classroom instruction and supervised clinical practice. Federal regulations require at least 16 hours of supervised practical training. Training covers vital signs, personal care, safety, infection control, and basic health monitoring. No formal education beyond high school is typically required by federal regulation, though individual programs may have their own prerequisites.

Continuing Education Details

12 hours of in-service training per year required for HHAs at Medicare-certified agencies. Training must address areas identified during performance evaluations and must include patient rights, safety, and infection control.

Renewal Fee

$0-$25

Regulatory Board

Federal regulations require a minimum of 12 hours of in-service training per year for HHAs working at Medicare-certified home health agencies. Training must address areas identified in performance evaluations and include topics such as patient rights, safety, and infection control. HHAs must maintain active status on their state registry. Failure to complete required in-service training may result in registry removal.