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DOH Issues Guidance on Hybrid PCA and HHA Training Programs

The Department of Health (DOH) issued a Dear Administrator Letter (DAL) on Sept. 29th authorizing Department-approved Home Health Aide and Personal Care Aide Training Programs (HHATP/PCATP) to move ahead with developing hybrid virtual/in-person training models. As LeadingAge NY and home care association colleagues had recommended, the programs would allow for the full didactic training program to be virtual and the practical training portion to be in person. The guidance also includes virtual options for PCA Upgrading and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Transitioning for HHAs. The hybrid training option would only be available to approved training programs that have received at least one reapproval after a period of three years.

To receive approval to conduct a hybrid model, eligible agencies must submit several documents provided for in the guidance: an Agency Demographics Form, HHATP and/or PCATP attestations from administrators, and a Hybrid Training Program Schedule. The attestation documents for each training type indicate that the guidance would allow training programs to utilize both live and supplemental pre-recorded training modules for the didactic portion of the program.

The attestation forms for both the PCA and HHA training ask agencies to attest to the following:

  • Only the didactic portion of the training can be offered with Hybrid Training approval. The Alternative Competency Demonstration (ACD) cannot be conducted via Hybrid Training and can only be offered in person.
  • Hybrid Training consists of live, online classes, supplemented with training videos and pre-recorded content (i.e., guest speakers). Hybrid Training cannot consist of self-learning modules. Use of training videos or pre-recorded content must be followed by live, online discussion of the material covered.
  • The Department will be responsible for entering the approved Hybrid Training site into the Home Care Worker Registry (HCWR). The agency may not enter a Hybrid Training site into the HCWR. Any additional Hybrid Training sites must be sent to DOH for approval.

Policies and procedures will be required to describe implementation of the program regarding the following:

  • Admission/Enrollment Criteria
  • Attendance/Trainee Verification
  • Curriculum and Learning Materials – hybrid models must use the home care curriculum and approved textbooks
  • Technological Platform (if platform changes, approval is required first)
  • IT Support
  • Confidentiality – relating to student information and testing
  • Testing – implementation and monitoring
  • Skills – how students will be scheduled for in-person assessments and Supervised Practical Training
  • Program Monitoring and Evaluation – program evaluation design and methodology to ensure quality training and identify metrics to measure quality of training

COVID-19-related questions should be sent to covidhomecareinfo@health.ny.gov.

Questions and completed requests for approval of a Hybrid Training program should be sent via email to:

Members are encouraged to review the DAL and attachments and let us know if they have any questions, issues, or concerns. 

Contact: Meg Everett, meverett@leadingageny.org, 518-929-9342