Attendant requirements · Missouri

Attendant requirements and screening

A Missouri CDS attendant must be legally authorized to work in the United States, be someone other than the consumer’s spouse, and clear background screening, which usually covers the Family Care Safety Registry, criminal history and abuse and neglect registries. You also need to handle the physical tasks in the care plan and complete our orientation.

What matters for this job is being trustworthy and showing up. Not diplomas. Here is what you actually need.

What are the requirements to be a personal care attendant in Missouri?

• Legally authorized to work in the United States, with documentation.
• Not the consumer’s spouse. Missouri law is explicit: RSMo 208.900 defines an attendant as “a person, other than the consumer’s spouse.” Every other relationship is permitted.
• Able to perform the authorized tasks, which can include physically assisting someone to transfer or bathe.
• Cleared through required background screening.
• Hired by a consumer who has an authorized CDS care plan.
• Completed onboarding and orientation with us.

What background check does a Missouri caregiver need?

Missouri checks the background of anyone giving care at home to adults who cannot fully protect themselves. That check usually covers:

• The Family Care Safety Registry, Missouri’s central registration and background screening system for care workers.
• Criminal history checks.
• Abuse and neglect registry checks.

Can you be a caregiver in Missouri with a criminal record?

Not always. It depends on what is on it. Crimes involving violence, abuse, neglect, or taking advantage of vulnerable people will rule you out. Many other records will not.

Tell us up front. A record you tell us about is a conversation. A record we find after you said there was nothing ends the application, whatever it was for.

Do you need a driver’s license to be a personal care attendant?

Not required, but it helps. Rides to appointments, shops and errands are one of the tasks CDS covers. An attendant who drives can do more of the plan. If you will drive, you need a valid license and car insurance.

Physical demands, honestly

This job can mean helping an adult move from bed to wheelchair, taking some of their weight while they walk, and bending or kneeling to help them bathe and dress.

Some people need very little of that. Others need a lot. Be honest with yourself and with them about what you can safely do. An attendant who hurts their back helps nobody.

What are personal care attendants not allowed to do?

• Give injections or manage IVs.
• Perform sterile wound care.
• Deliver physical, occupational or speech therapy.
• Make clinical or medical judgments.
• Work outside the consumer’s authorized care plan.

If you are ever asked to do something clinical, decline and call us.

Frequently asked questions

Can you be a personal care attendant without a certification?

Yes. The Missouri CDS requirements are work authorization, not being the consumer’s spouse, the ability to do the authorized tasks, background clearance, being hired by a consumer with an authorized care plan, and our orientation. A certificate is not on that list. What matters for this job is being trustworthy and showing up, not diplomas.

Can a family member be a personal care attendant in Missouri?

Yes, unless you are the consumer’s spouse. Missouri law, RSMo 208.900, defines an attendant as a person other than the consumer’s spouse, and every other relationship is permitted. An adult child, parent, sibling or friend can be the attendant once they meet the same requirements and clear the same background screening as anyone else.

Can I start working while my background check is pending?

No. We will not ask you to start work before the required clearances are in place. Anyone who offers to let you start off the books while screening is pending is putting you and the person you care for at risk. We tell you exactly which checks apply to you when you apply, so you know what you are waiting on.