Consumer Directed Employer (CDE) Questions

Below you’ll find answers to our most frequently asked questions specific to the Consumer Directed Employer (CDE).

For definitions to common terms mentioned, please review our frequently asked questions glossary.

The Consumer Directed Employer (CDE) is the legal employer of all Individual Providers (IP) in the state of Washington.

As the CDE, Consumer Direct Care Network Washington (CDWA) is responsible for payroll, background checks, collecting employment documents, monitoring credentialing, tax reporting, and employment-related instruction.

Clients are the managing employer. Clients select, schedule, manage, supervise, and dismiss their IPs.

CDWA currently has four office locations in Washington which are located in:.

  • Everett
  • Federal Way
  • Lacey
  • Spokane

CDWA employs Service Coordinators across the state to provide support to IPs via telephone, email, text, and virtual meetings, along with limited in-person support. CDWA also utilizes shared or community office spaces throughout the state for IP hiring and other support activities as needed.

Home care agencies remain unchanged.

Family members can provide care to their eligible relatives with some limited restrictions.

No. CDWA does not contract with day care programs.

Yes, CDWA pays IPs for respite care hours that have been approved by the Client’s Case Manager.

CDWA is your legal employer. The Client is your managing employer. CDWA processes payroll and monitors credentialing requirements necessary for you to provide services to the Client. The Client schedules, supervises, and dismisses their IPs.

CDWA handles personal protective equipment (PPE) requests. Requests are made through the DirectMyCare portal. Directions are located here: www.ConsumerDirectWA.com/Request-PPE/