What distinguishes the legal scope of practice between an HHA and a PCA?
HHAs can perform certain medical tasks under supervision, while PCAs cannot perform medical services.
The fundamental distinction between a Home Health Aide (HHA) and a Personal Care Aide (PCA) revolves around the legality of performing medical tasks. HHAs are permitted to carry out certain medical duties under the direct supervision of licensed personnel, such as monitoring vital signs or assisting with simple dressing changes. In contrast, Personal Care Aides (PCAs) are explicitly restricted from performing any recognized medical services; their scope is limited to personal care activities like assisting with ADLs, companionship, and errands. This difference is crucial for families understanding payment structures, as Medicare often requires documented medical necessity (HHA services) for coverage, whereas PCA services for purely non-medical support are often covered out-of-pocket.
