Strengthening the Standard: California’s Push for Better Home Health Aide Training

As the demand for in-home care continues to rise, California is stepping in to ensure that the professionals serving our most vulnerable populations are better prepared than ever. In 2025, Assembly Bill 1495 was passed to raise the bar for Home Health Aide (HHA) training, signaling a statewide effort to improve care quality and workforce competency.

Under AB 1495, new requirements for classroom and practical training are now in effect. Training must be led by a Registered Nurse (RN) with at least two years of experience, one of which must be in home health care. Alternatively, a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) may conduct the training under supervision by a qualified RN. This move not only promotes clinical consistency—it ensures HHAs are trained by educators who understand the nuances of care beyond the hospital walls.

But California didn’t stop there. As remote learning grows, so does the need to verify and legitimize online training. That’s why AB 1495 includes standards for online and distance education programs, requiring:

• Trainee identity verification

• Live video interaction

• Direct access for regulatory monitoring

It’s not about making training harder—it’s about making it stronger. These changes are designed to create a more resilient, skilled workforce capable of delivering high-quality, compassionate care in home settings.

As someone who works closely with aspiring CNAs and HHAs, I see firsthand how policy shifts like these empower both providers and patients. And as we build the future of healthcare, this kind of thoughtful legislation is exactly what we need.

References (APA):

California State Legislature. (2025). Assembly Bill 1495: Home health aide training requirements. Retrieved from https://legiscan.com/CA/text/AB1495/2025