Directive for Training and Certification

The Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) has established mandatory training and

testing protocols for Direct Care Workers (DCWs) who offer essential care services (including

Attendant Care, Personal Care, and Homemaker) to members of the Arizona Long Term Care System

(ALTCS) residing in their own homes. As of October 1, 2012, all AHCCCS-affiliated provider agencies

delivering direct care services are required to employ DCWs who have successfully passed the

necessary competency tests within 90 days of their employment. This directive is applicable unless the

DCW is exempt due to professional qualifications such as being a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical

Nurse, or Certified Nurse Aide.

It is important to note that the competency test results are portable and can be transferred between

employers. DCWs are exempt from retaking these tests unless there has been a break of a minimum

of two years in their direct care service employment.

For the module on Aging and Physical Disabilities, which is part of the Level 2 DD requirements, it is

obligatory for all DCWs to complete all chapters before attempting the Challenge Test. To achieve

certification of completion, DCWs must also successfully pass both the written examination and

practical skills assessment.

The curriculum for the Aging and Physical Disabilities module encompasses a wide range of topics

including:

 Major Organ System

 Behavioral and Emotional Conditions

 Personal Care

 Transfers and Positioning

 Activity Planning

 Dementia-specific Care

 Grief and End of Life Care

 Basic Caregiver Skills

This comprehensive training ensures that DCWs are well-equipped to provide high-quality care to

ALTCS members with aging-related and physical disability needs.