Caregiver training requirements in Alaska

Alaska requires 40 hours of initial training for non-medical caregivers. Medicaid personal care assistants who are not RNs, CNAs, or certified community health aides must complete department-approved training of at least 40 hours, taught by a licensed nurse, and pass a standardized competency test. CPR and first aid training meeting American Heart Association or Red Cross standards is also required.

How many hours of training are required?

What ongoing training is required?

CPR training must be documented at least every two years, and critical incident reporting training is required at least every two years.

What should you confirm with the state?

These requirements apply to agencies certified by Senior and Disabilities Services to bill Medicaid; there is no state license for private-pay non-medical home care. Confirm the certification fee, certification term, and whether the fingerprint check includes an FBI search with Senior and Disabilities Services.

Is training time paid?

Yes. Required training for caregivers you employ is hours worked, so it is paid and counts toward overtime. Add training hours to each caregiver's weekly total with the overtime calculator and track them on the schedule template.