Caregiver training requirements in Tennessee

Tennessee does not set a number of training hours for non-medical caregivers. No hour minimum. Before working with clients, workers must demonstrate basic competency in observing and documenting changes, abuse and neglect prevention and reporting, client rights, universal precautions and infection control, personal hygiene assistance, client safety, and emergency procedures. Medication assistance requires RN-supervised training.

How many hours of training are required?

What ongoing training is required?

Workers must receive training on job-related topics at least annually; no hour minimum.

What should you confirm with the state?

Personal support services agencies are licensed by the Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services or the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, not by the Health Facilities Commission. Confirm the license fee, license term, and whether criminal checks must be fingerprint-based with the licensing department.

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.