Below you’ll find answers general frequently asked questions.
For definitions to common terms, please review our terms and definitions page.
General Information
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Consumer Directed Employer (CDE)?
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.
What happened to the home care agencies when CDWA became operational?
Home care agencies remain unchanged.
Does CDWA contract with day care programs?
No. CDWA does not contract with day care programs.
Can family members provide care to their relatives as employees of CDWA?
Family members can provide care to their eligible relatives with some limited restrictions.
Please see the Hiring FAQ section for more information on who can be an IP.
Who is considered our employer? Is the Client still our employer?
CDWA is the IP’s legal employer. The Client is their managing employer. CDWA processes payroll and monitors credentialing requirements necessary for IPs to provide services to the Client. The Client schedules, supervises, and dismisses their IPs.
Does CDWA handle personal protective equipment (PPE) requests?
Yes. Requests are made through the IP’s Workday account. Directions are located here: www.ConsumerDirectWA.com/Request-PPE/