Voters in Washington State passed Initiative-1029 by a strong margin (73 percent in favor), approving a measure that will require 75 hours of training for most long-term care workers, an increase of as much as 41 hours, according to the Associated Press.

Workers must also now pass an exam to be certified as home care aides and undergo background checks for all levels of care.

The measure was originally intended for action in the legislature, but when lawmakers failed to act, supporters of the initiative succeeded in getting it on the ballot (see our Oct. 16 story). The Service Employees International Union (SEIU), which has organized the state’s personal care workforce, was behind the initiative along with several consumer organizations.

The measure will go into effect in 2010.

Aaron Toleos, Online Communications Director
atoleos@phinational.org