Caregiver training records and renewals
By Scott McKenzie, founder of Home Care Agency Blueprint · Updated
A training record shows who was trained, on what, by whom and when. Keep one for every session and every caregiver, and track renewal dates so nothing quietly lapses. How long you keep records is set by your state and the rules that apply to you; ask counsel.
What to keep for each session
- The date and the topic.
- A curriculum, outline or summary of what was covered.
- The trainer’s name and qualifications.
- A sign-in sheet or completion record with each caregiver’s name and role.
- Any certificate or card the caregiver received.
Your own planning. Where OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens standard applies, it lists the contents of training records: the dates, the contents or a summary, the names and qualifications of the trainers, and the names and job titles of those attending.
What to keep for each caregiver
A single view of every topic the caregiver completed, the completion date, and the renewal date where one applies. The matrix on this site, printed or downloaded for each caregiver, is one way to start.
How long to keep records
Follow your state’s rules and your counsel’s advice. Where OSHA’s bloodborne pathogens standard applies, it sets its own retention period for those training records. We do not publish one retention period for every record.
Renewals
- State renewal or in-service training, if your state requires it.
- CPR and first aid cards, tracked by expiry date, if you require them.
- Bloodborne pathogens refresher training on the schedule OSHA’s standard sets, where it applies.
- Refreshers you choose to run, on a schedule you write down.
Write the policy
Your training policy should say what records you keep, where, who updates them and how renewals are tracked. homecarepolicyprocedures.com, also published by Home Care Agency Blueprint, covers written policies and procedures.
A planning aid, not proof of compliance. Nothing on this site can tell you that your caregivers’ training meets your state’s rules. It lists topic slots and habits and points you to the rules that apply, so you can check them for your own agency.
Your state sets the training rules. Your state licensing agency decides caregiver training and orientation rules for licensed home care: the topics, any required hours, who may train, how training may be delivered and when it renews. This site does not list state rules. homecarelicenseguide.com, also published by Home Care Agency Blueprint, helps you find your state’s licensing agency. Not legal advice. State training rules vary; check your state.
What to do next
Frequently asked questions
Can I keep training records electronically?
Check your state’s rules on record format. Whatever format you use, make sure you can produce a record for any caregiver when asked.
Who should own training records?
One named person, with a backup. Write it into your training policy.
Want to talk through your options?
A free 15-minute clarity call with Home Care Agency Blueprint. It helps people start home care agencies, so expect that perspective. You do not need your training plan finished first.
Book a free 15-minute clarity call