Rhode Island Caretaker Requirements
Everything an agency needs to hire compliant caretakers in Rhode Island — and everything an individual needs to know before starting work.
Training
30h
Min Age
18
Pay
$16–24
TB Test
Yes
CPR
Yes
Verify Eligibility
Not required by most states for non-medical home care, but preferred by many agencies
Complete Background Checks & Screening
The hiring agency initiates and pays for these checks. All must clear before the caretaker has any client contact.
BCI criminal background check and national sex offender registry
Not required by the state, but many agencies require a pre-employment drug test
Must be completed within 12 months of hire. Some agencies require annual rescreening.
Must be obtained before working with clients. American Heart Association or equivalent. Renewed every 2 years.
Complete Required Training
Agencies are responsible for providing or arranging this training. It must be completed before the caretaker works independently with clients.
Home Care Aide (HCA)
Non-medical personal care aide.
30
Hours
Agency orientation
12 hoursPersonal care, safety, client rights
CPR/First Aid
8 hoursMust be certified
Annual in-service
10 hoursContinuing education
Scope of Practice — What This Role Covers
Meet Additional State Requirements
Maintain Ongoing Compliance
Agencies must track these deadlines and ensure all staff remain compliant. Lapsed credentials can result in fines and loss of licensure.
Renewal & Continuing Education
CPR renewed every 2 years; annual 10 hours CE
Every 2 years
Annually or per agency policy
Regulatory Body
Average Hourly Pay
$16 – $24
per hour for non-medical care
Higher rates for weekends, overnights, and specialized care (dementia, hospice support). Urban areas typically pay 15–25% more than rural.
Demand Outlook
Moderate — small state with concentrated population
Home care is one of the fastest-growing employment sectors in the U.S. Demand is driven by the aging population and preference for aging in place.
Rhode Island-Specific Notes
- 1Rhode Island is a small but concentrated market
- 2Providence metro is the primary demand area
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training hours are required for caretakers in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island requires 30 hours of pre-service training for Home Care Aides. This typically covers agency orientation, cpr/first aid, annual in-service. The hiring agency is responsible for providing or verifying this training.
What background checks are required for home care caretakers in Rhode Island?
Rhode Island requires: BCI criminal background check and national sex offender registry. The hiring agency must complete all screening before the caretaker has any client contact. Drug testing policy: agency discretion.
How much do home care caretakers earn in Rhode Island?
Non-medical home care caretakers in Rhode Island earn $16–$24 per hour on average. Pay varies by region, experience, care complexity, and whether the shift is weekday vs weekend/overnight.
What is the minimum age to work as a caretaker in Rhode Island?
You must be at least 18 years old to work as a non-medical home care caretaker in Rhode Island. Most agencies also require a valid ID and legal work authorization.
What ongoing requirements do caretakers have in Rhode Island?
CPR renewed every 2 years; annual 10 hours CE Agencies are responsible for tracking compliance and ensuring all staff maintain current credentials.
Managing caretaker compliance across your team?
HomeCareAtlas automatically tracks certifications, training deadlines, background check expirations, and renewal dates for every caretaker on your roster.
See how it worksThis guide is for informational purposes only. Requirements change — always verify with Rhode Island Department of Health before starting training or employment. HomeCareAtlas is not a certifying body and does not guarantee the accuracy of this information.