Caregiver training requirements in New York

New York requires 40 hours of initial training for non-medical caregivers, plus 6 hours each year. To provide personal care services, a worker must complete a DOH-approved Personal Care Aide Training Program of at least 40 hours (not counting testing and breaks) or an Alternate Competency Demonstration, get a certificate, and be listed on the Home Care Registry. Home health aides need separate, longer training.

How many hours of training are required?

What ongoing training is required?

Personal care aides need 6 hours of in-service education per year; home health aides need 12 hours.

What should you confirm with the state?

There is no fixed license term; licensed home care services agencies file an annual statistical report and registration with the New York State Department of Health. Confirm with the Department whether companion- or housekeeping-only services need a license, and confirm the current home health aide training hours.

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.