# Caregiver Onboarding Checklist

Agency: ______________________  Caregiver: ______________________
Start date: ______________  Completed by: ______________________

A working checklist for bringing a new caregiver on. Requirements differ by
state and by payer, so treat this as a starting point and add your own items.
Anything marked **check your state** varies and should be confirmed against
your licensing rules before you rely on this list.

---

## Before an offer

- [ ] Application and resume on file
- [ ] Reference checks completed (how many? **check your state**)
- [ ] Interview notes recorded
- [ ] Right to work verification (Form I-9) completed

## Background and screening

- [ ] Criminal background check submitted
- [ ] Background check cleared and result filed
- [ ] Registry checks completed (abuse registry, exclusion lists) **check your state**
- [ ] Driving record checked, if the role involves driving
- [ ] Re-screening interval recorded: ______________

## Credentials and health

- [ ] Certification or license copied and filed, with expiry date: ____________
- [ ] CPR / first aid certificate on file, expiry: ____________
- [ ] TB test or health screening on file **check your state**
- [ ] Immunization records, where required **check your state**
- [ ] Auto insurance and valid license, if driving clients or between clients

## Paperwork

- [ ] Signed offer or employment agreement
- [ ] W-4 and state withholding forms
- [ ] Direct deposit details
- [ ] Emergency contact recorded
- [ ] Confidentiality and HIPAA acknowledgement signed
- [ ] Employee handbook issued and receipt signed
- [ ] Job description signed

## Training before first shift

- [ ] Orientation completed, hours: ______ **check your state**
- [ ] HIPAA and client privacy
- [ ] Infection control and hand hygiene
- [ ] Body mechanics and safe transfers
- [ ] Emergency procedures and when to call 911
- [ ] Abuse and neglect recognition and reporting
- [ ] Bloodborne pathogens
- [ ] Client rights
- [ ] Documentation standards: what to record and when

## Visit verification and systems

- [ ] Explained how visits are verified and why
- [ ] App installed on the caregiver's own phone, or device issued
- [ ] Caregiver signed in successfully and saw their own schedule
- [ ] Practice check-in and check-out completed
- [ ] Shown what to do when there is no phone signal
- [ ] Shown what to do if they arrive and the client is not home
- [ ] Told who to call, and by when, if they will be late
- [ ] Timesheet or hours process explained

## First shift

- [ ] Care plan reviewed for the specific client
- [ ] Introduced to the client, in person where possible
- [ ] Address, parking and access details confirmed (key safe, gate code)
- [ ] Allergies, mobility needs and specific risks reviewed
- [ ] Supervisory visit scheduled for: ______________ **check your state**

## First 30 days

- [ ] Check-in call or visit with a supervisor completed
- [ ] Documentation reviewed for completeness
- [ ] Feedback given and recorded
- [ ] Any additional training identified: ______________________
- [ ] Probation review date: ______________

---

Signed (caregiver): ______________________  Date: __________

Signed (agency): ______________________  Date: __________

---

Template from getcareverify.com/resources/templates. Free to copy, edit and
reuse, including commercially. No attribution required. This is a general
starting point and not legal or compliance advice. Confirm your own
requirements with your state licensing agency.
