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Caregiver training requirements in Tennessee
Short answer
Tennessee doesn't set training requirements for personal care aides (non-medical caregivers).
Home health aides at Medicare-certified agencies and CNAs still follow the federal rules below.
Federal rules that apply in every state
- Home health aides at Medicare-certified agencies need at least 75 hours of training, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training (with 16 hours of classroom training first), and must pass a competency evaluation. They also need 12 hours of in-service training every year. 42 CFR 484.80
- Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) complete a state-approved program of at least 75 hours, including at least 16 hours of supervised practical training. Many states require more. 42 CFR 483.152
- There is no federal training standard for personal care aides(non-medical caregivers). That's set state by state, and sometimes only for Medicaid-funded work.
Before a new caregiver's first shift
- Keep proof of training — the certificate or sign-off for any training Tennessee or your payer requires.
- Run the background checks your state licensing rules and your contracts require.
- Record expiry dates for CPR, TB tests and licenses, and renew them before they lapse.
Source: PHI, a review of each state's Medicaid rules, waivers and home care licensing regulations (2024–2025 policy). Checked October 2026. Rules change — confirm with your state's licensing agency before you rely on them. This is general information, not legal advice.
Regulations cited for Tennessee
- Rules of Tennessee Department of Finance and Administration Bureau of TennCare. 2018. TennCare Long-Term Care Programs . 1200-13-01.
- TennCare. “CHOICES.” Accessed April 10, 2025.
- Tennessee Commission on Aging and Disability. 2019. Home and Community Based-Services. Nashville, TN: TCAD.
- Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging. “Home & Community Based Services (HCBS).” Accessed April 10, 2025.
States with similar rules
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Caregiver training in Tennessee: common questions
How many hours of training does a caregiver need in Tennessee?
Tennessee doesn't set training requirements for personal care aides (non-medical caregivers). Home health aides at Medicare-certified agencies need at least 75 hours under federal rules.
Do caregivers need a certificate in Tennessee?
Tennessee doesn't issue a specific certificate for personal care aides. CNAs and home health aides follow their own certification rules.
Are home care agencies licensed in Tennessee?
Yes. Tennessee licenses home care agencies, so check the licensing rules for staff requirements beyond training, such as background checks.
Do private-pay agencies in Tennessee have to train caregivers?
No state training rule covers aides who only serve private-pay clients in Tennessee, though many agencies train them anyway for quality and insurance reasons.
Hiring in Tennessee? See caregiver pay in Tennessee, or try the free job description generator.