This communication is being distributed to inform you of upcoming changes to the Direct Care Staff (DCS) Training Course and Competency Test required by §2600.65(d)(2) and (d)(3) and § 2800.65(g)(2) and (g)(3). 

Effective 9/12/2022, the current Direct Care Staff Training Course and Competency Test will be discontinued and replaced by an Updated Direct Care Staff Training Course and Competency Test that will be administered through Temple University Harrisburg. The current course and test will not be available after 9/11/2022.

The updated DCS Training Course and Competency test will feature an improved platform, current language and content, and the requirement that users complete all elements of the course before taking the competency test. The course will also include a screening and registration process that is designed to ensure that access is limited to Direct Care Staff in Personal Care Homes and Assisted Living Residences. Although there will be a registration and screening process, there will be no delay between registration and course accessibility. 

The updated course and test may look familiar to many of you, as it was developed by modifying the Expedited Direct Care Staff Orientation and Training Program that was developed by Temple University Harrisburg as a temporary measure to facilitate mitigation of staffing challenges during the initial stages of the Covid-19 pandemic. As of 9/12/2022, the Expedited DCS Orientation and Training Program will no longer be available. Personal Care Homes and Assisted Living Residences will be expected to once again meet the initial DCS training requirements through training provided within the facility.

The  updated Direct Care Staff Training Course and Competency test will fulfill the regulatory requirements of §2600.65(d)(2) and (d)(3) and § 2800.65(g)(2) and (g)(3) only. It will not fulfill the regulatory requirements of: 

• PCH
  • § 2600.65(a)
  • § 2600.65(b)
  • § 2600.65(d)(1)

• ALR
  • § 2800.65(a)
  • § 2800.65(c)
  • § 2800.65(d)
  • § 2800.65(e)
  • § 2800.65(g)(1)
  • § 2800.236(a)
  • § 2800.236(c)
• OR
  • Any other regulatory requirements related to DCS, Ancillary staff, CPR, Annual Training, etc. 

More information and web links will be provided closer to the launch date of the updated course and competency test. 

Questions about this communication can be directed to ra-pwarlheadquarters@pa.gov.