About Us

The Need

Relocation of behavioral health patients from aging and overcrowded state psychiatric hospitals to smaller, closer community-based facilities has created an increased need for caregivers’ access to convenient, affordable and quality online training. Behavioral health and other caregivers statewide encounter training barriers such as inconsistent curriculums, skill variance, and accessibility to training (Sources: Washington Governor Jay Inslee Policy Brief, December 2018; May 2019 DSHS Training Unit survey report). These caregivers, serving over 23,000 Medicaid clients, must meet certification and ongoing training requirements per 388.112A WAC.

Image of Caregiver serving lunch to client

The Solution

This online training solution will assist in reducing barriers to caregiver training and meet DSHS training and continuing education requirements.

Image of Caregiver checking blood pressure of client

The Benefit to You

The CareLearn learning management system (LMS) will support DSHS Aging and Long Term Support Administration efforts by improving the quality, availability, affordability, consistency, and portability of caregiver training.

Online Training Testimonials

Bea Rector, Assistant Secretary, Aging and Long Term Support Administration, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services

"We developed CareLearn Washington to increase access to quality caregiver training so that our providers can gain skills, knowledge and confidence. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted just how important it is to offer our providers a variety of ways to grow and learn and we're pleased to be able to offer this new training resource."

Elena Madrid, Executive Vice President for Regulatory Affairs, Washington Health Care Association

"Kudos to DSHS! CareLearn is a wonderful option for long term caregivers to obtain DSHS-approved CEs. Education on demand through CareLearn is a great resource for assisted living staff. Thank you DSHS!"

Dave Foltz, Executive Director - Fred Lind Manor

"This program is amazing! It allows us to encourage our caregivers to get continuing education without the burden of expensive contracts. We as providers support continuing education for all staff. State of Washington and DSHS have hit it out of the park on this one! Great job!"