What does Connecticut law require before I can work as a home health aide?
Since January 1, 1993, Connecticut has required anyone providing home health aide services for a home health care agency to complete a DPH-approved training and competency evaluation program of at least 75 hours. Before being assigned to patient care, you also need a physical exam that includes a tuberculin test, and a background search is required under state law as well.
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Training and evaluation
Connecticut regulation states plainly that on and after January 1, 1993, no person shall furnish home health aide services on behalf of a home health care agency unless they have successfully completed a training and competency evaluation program the department approved, running at least 75 hours.
A registered nurse with at least two years of nursing experience, including at least one year in home health care, must perform that competency evaluation, and the curriculum has to mix lecture and clinical settings.
Health screening and background checks
Connecticut’s Public Health Code requires a physical examination, including a tuberculin test, and a physician’s or designee’s statement that the employee is free from communicable diseases, before anyone can be assigned to patient care activities.
Separately, each long-term care facility, including a home health care agency, must require a background search of an individual before extending a job offer, under the state’s criminal history and patient abuse background search program.
More questions
Does my employer keep a record of my physical exam?
Yes, home health care agencies must keep a record of health examinations in each employee’s personnel file.
What if I was deemed to have finished training through a nurse aide program instead?
You still need 10 hours of orientation from your employing agency before you can provide any home health aide services.
Does a long gap away from this work affect anything?
Yes, going 24 consecutive months without performing nursing or nursing-related services for pay means completing a new competency evaluation.
Sources
- Regulations of Connecticut State Agencies, Title 19, Sec. 19-13-D69 (Services), Connecticut Department of Public Health / Secretary of the State
- Licensure of Home Health Care Agencies (Regs. Conn. State Agencies Secs. 19-13-D66 to 19-13-D79), Connecticut Department of Public Health
- Public Act No. 25-16 (Substitute House Bill No. 6771), Connecticut General Assembly
Checked against these sources on November 6, 2026. Rules change, so confirm with the source before you rely on a detail. This page is general information, not legal advice.