Question 1

What training does a Texas HCSSA administrator need?

Accepted Answer

Texas HCSSA administrators and alternate administrators must complete three tiers of training under 26 TAC Chapter 558. First, 8 hours of initial training before assuming the role (§558.259(c)), covering the HCSSA licensing standards and the state and federal laws that apply to an agency, such as Health and Safety Code Chapters 142 and 250 and Human Resources Code Chapter 102. Second, 16 additional hours within the first 12 months (§558.259(d)), covering subjects that include fraud and abuse prevention, advance directives, client rights, complaint investigation, emergency preparedness, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and infection control. Third, 12 hours of continuing education in each 12-month period after that (§558.260(a)).

Question 2

How many CE hours does a Texas home care administrator need each year?

Accepted Answer

Texas HCSSA administrators and alternate administrators must complete 12 clock hours of continuing education within each 12-month period beginning with their designation date (26 TAC §558.260(a)). The 12 hours must include at least two of the topics the rule lists, such as any one of the §558.259(d) subjects, development and interpretation of agency policies, ethics, quality improvement, risk assessment and management, or financial management. For a first-time administrator, CE starts with the second 12-month period after designation; the first is for the initial 24 hours (§558.259(h)).

Question 3

Is HCSSA administrator training available online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. 1st PassSage offers all three required training tiers as self-paced online courses: the 8-hour initial training, the 16-hour first-year training, and the 12-hour annual CE. Each one runs on scenario-based lessons, podcast-style episodes, and quizzes, and each ends in a survey-ready certificate documenting your hours, topics, and TAC citations. Your coach through the material is Sage, software that cites the section of 26 TAC §558 behind every answer.

Question 4

What are the HHSC requirements for home care agency administrators?

Accepted Answer

HHSC requires HCSSA administrators to meet qualifications outlined in 26 TAC §558.244, including education, experience, and training requirements. The administrator and alternate administrator must complete HHSC's Presurvey Training, a computer-based course, before the agency submits its license application (§558.13(a)). Each must also complete 8 hours of initial training before designation (§558.259(c)), 16 hours within the first year (§558.259(d)), and 12 hours in each 12-month period after that (§558.260(a)). The 8 hours cover the licensing standards and the state and federal laws that apply to an agency; the 16 hours cover subjects that include client rights, complaint investigation, emergency preparedness, abuse, neglect, and exploitation, and infection control.

Question 5

What is the difference between the 8-hour, 16-hour, and 12-hour HCSSA training?

Accepted Answer

The 8-hour initial training (§558.259(c)) must be completed before you serve as administrator and covers the licensing standards and the state and federal laws that apply to an agency. The 16-hour first-year training (§558.259(d)) is completed within your first 12 months and covers subjects including fraud and abuse, advance directives, client rights, complaint investigation, and emergency preparedness. The 12-hour annual CE (§558.260(a)) is due in each 12-month period after your first year and must include at least two of the topics that rule lists.

Question 6

Does 1st PassSage training count toward HHSC CE requirements?

Accepted Answer

1st PassSage courses are designed to meet the topic and hour requirements specified in 26 TAC §558.259 and §558.260. Every course covers required subject areas and provides certificates with specific TAC citations, training hours, completion dates, and provider information that administrators need for their compliance records.

Texas HCSSA administrator & alternate training