Individual PCA Requirements

The individual PCA must:

1. Enroll with PrimeWest Health as a provider of PCA services
2. Enroll with Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP) as a provider of PCA services
3. Be at least 18 years old, with the following exceptions:
   1. If the individual PCA is age 16 or 17, the individual PCA must have either:
      1. Participated in a related school-based job training program; or
      2. Completed a certified HHA competency evaluation
      3. Work for only one PCA agency responsible for compliance with current labor laws
      4. Supervised by a qualified professional every 60 days
4. Successfully complete at least one of the following training requirements before providing services:
   1. Nursing assistant program
   2. Equivalent nursing assistant competency (tested and passed by state Board of Vocational Education)
   3. Homemaker, HHA pre-service program 
   4. Accredited licensed RN/LPN educational program
   5. Training program for required skills necessary to perform covered PCA services
5. Undergo background study requirements specified in MN Stat. Chap. 245C
6. Understand the PCA care plan
7. Understand the member’s needs
8. Provide covered PCA services according to the care plan
9. Understand safety issues, including how to access emergency assistance
10. Report changes in the member’s condition
11. Be able to communicate with the member
12. Not be the responsible party
13. Not be a recipient of MHCP personal care services
14. Not be a corporate legal guardian

PCA Hour Limits

MN Stat. sec. 256B.0659, subd. 11 mandates the number of hours an individual PCA can provide services each month. Because this is a legislative action, it applies to all health plans, including PrimeWest Health.

Effective October 2020, the allowance for individual PCAs to work 310 hours per month under COVID-19 authority was made permanent by the Minnesota Legislature (MN Stat. 256B.0659, subd. 11[a][10]).

PW_11-19_577
Updated_07/25/2023