What is Private Duty Nursing in the Community Residential Setting?
Private Duty Nursing (PDN) is a program that provides in-home skilled nursing care to Medicaid clients 18 years of age and over. Without PDN services they would otherwise be served in a Medicaid Medical Institution (MMI). PDN is an alternative to institutional care. The PDN program allows clients to have options to the environment where they receive complex care. The PDN program is designed to support clients and their families who must assume a portion of the client’s care.
The PDN program is for those individuals who needs require continuous daily skilled nursing care for complex medical tasks.
How to Become a Contracted Private Duty Nursing Provider
DSHS provides PDN pre contract education training every other month for those looking to apply for a PDN contract.
This PDN Orientation class is an introduction to PDN in community based residential settings. If you provide private pay PDN or PDN in an Assisted Living Facility, this training class is not required.
How do I sign up for an upcoming PDN Pre Contract Education Class?
PDN pre contract education class is provided at no cost every other month. This class is virtually and presented over TEAMS. You only need to sign up once. Please do not create multiple registrations. Please use this link below to sign up for the next PDN class:
- Pre-Contract Education Training
- Pre-Contract Education (PowerPoint)
Please note that once you sign up you will receive a link to the meeting invite (1) one week prior to class.
If you are an RN providing nursing services for DSHS, please contact your Human Resources department regarding other employment. You will not be able to take the training until after contacting HR and letting us know at nursingcontracts@dshs.wa.gov.
How does an PDN Contractor find clients?
DSHS does not automatically provide clients to the PDN contracted provider. The PDN contracted provider must market their services for themself. DSHS can list a Contracted PDN provider's information on the PDN website. DSHS Case Managers have access to all PDN Contracted Providers list. DSHS Case Managers authorize PDN services for Medicaid clients qualified for services.
How does the Contracted PDN Provider get paid for PDN services?
The DSHS contracted PDN provider receives authorization for services from Case Managers. The contractor submits claims through Health Care Authority and ProviderOne for payment of services provided. You can find current rates and billing guide resource below:
Where can I find PDN forms?
Where can I find a PDN contracted provider?
Information for PDN Providers
- Contractor Meetings
- 2026 Calendar of Events
- HCS Offices Locator
- Long Term Care Manual, Chapter 25: Private Duty Nursing
- Washington Administrative Code, 388-106-1000 to 1055
Private Duty Nursing Program Contact
Program Manager
Kaila O’Dell, BSN, RN
privatedutynursing@dshs.wa.gov