What training do new caregivers need in Georgia before working with clients?

Georgia’s Rule 111-8-65-.09 covers staff of private home care agencies. It says:

1. Orientation before client work. Staff must complete orientation on your policies, the services and clients you serve, client rights and complaints, their duties, how to report client problems, handling emergencies, and reporting known TB and hepatitis exposure.
2. Competency check. A written evaluation must show a supervisor watched the worker do the required tasks well.
3. Personal care assistants. The rule lists several ways to qualify. If you use the 40-hour program, 20 hours must be finished before serving clients and 20 more within six months, taught under a licensed nurse or equivalent. They cannot do tasks until training and skill are shown, and they need extra training for special client conditions.
4. Companions and sitters. They must read and write, follow instructions, and complete reports, with training or proof of skill in areas like meals, transport and medical emergencies.
5. Yearly training. After the first year, at least eight clock hours of job-related training each year.
6. Yearly evaluation, kept in the file.

Your Medicaid program may require more, so check its manual.