Manager and Caregiver Training Programs

Manager and Caregiver Training Programs

In 1998 the manager training program standards, approval and oversight went from the NCIA Board to the Department of Health Services (DHS). DHS also had the authority to set the training standards for caregivers. In 2011, Senate Bill 1038 was introduced which moved the assisted living facility training programs from DHS and Private Post Secondary Education (PPSE) to the NCIA Board. The Governor signed the Bill in April, 2011 and the law became effective in July.

Board approved training programs that solely provides training to managers and caregivers are exempt from PPSE licensure. Removed the authority from DHS to set standards, approve training programs or regulatory oversight. Specifies that an assisted living facility training program includes training required for assisted living facility manager certification and assisted living facility caregivers.

The Board by rule shall prescribe standards for assisted living facility training programs. (manager and caregiver training) Allows the Board to grant, deny, suspend or revoke approval of, or place on probation, an assisted living facility training program. The Board by rule to adopt nonrefundable fees for the review of initial applications for assisted living facility training programs and the annual renewal.

Article 7 AAC R4-33-701 Definitions AAC R4-33-702 Minimum Standards AAC R4-33-703 Curriculum AAC R4-33-704 Application for Approval AAC R4-33-705 Renewal of Approval AAC R4-33-706 Standard of Conduct

Defines the standards for the caregiver training program that include: Written description of the training program Policies and procedures covering attendance, grading, reexamination, student records, student fees and financial aid, withdrawal and dismissal, student grievances, admission requirements, criteria for completion. Provide Board information on students that complete the training program Responsibilities of the program administrator Instructor qualifications and responsibilities Skills training requirements Instructional and educational resources Records and records retention Examination and evaluation requirements Notice of change requirement Partial waiver of training program hours

Required Topics/Modules Per R4-33-703(C) Hours Required Caregivers Hours Required CNA s Distance Learning Hours Allowed (Max. 26 Hours) Assisted Living Overview 2 2 Yes Legal and Ethical Issues and Resident Rights 5 Waived No Communication and Interpersonal Skills 4 Waived No Job Management Skills 4 Waived Yes Service Plans 4 4 Yes Infection Control 5 Waived No Nutrition and Food Preparation 6 Waived Yes Fire, Safety, and Emergency Procedures 5 Waived Yes Home Environment and Maintenance 5 Waived Yes Basic Caregiver Skills 12 Waived No Mental Health and Social Service Needs 7 Waived No Care of the Cognitively Impaired Resident 8 Waived No Skills for Basic Restorative Services 5 Waived No Medication Management 16 16 No Additional Requirements Skills Lab 16 Waived Food Handlers Card Required Required Final Knowledge Examination Required Required Total Classroom/Distance Learning Hours 88 22 Total Skills Lab Hours 16 Total Hours 104 22

Who is required to take the new caregiver training? Any caregiver for an assisted living facility entering the field on or after August 3, 2013. Any caregiver who was grandfathered under DHS s pre- 1998 training rules. On October 1, 2013, the DHS grandfather rule goes away. Current assisted living facility caregivers will not need to go through the new training; however, they must already have a training certificate that meets the DHS post 1998 through October 3, 2013 training program requirements.

Manager training is under Article 6 and follows the same format as the caregiver training rules in Article 7: Article 6 AAC R4-33-601 Definitions AAC R4-33-602 Minimum Standards AAC R4-33-603 Curriculum AAC R4-33-604 Application for Approval AAC R4-33-605 Renewal of Approval AAC R4-33-606 Standard of Conduct

Required Topics/Modules Per R4-33- 603(C) Classroom Hours Required Distance Learning Hours Resident Services Management 8 No Personnel Management 8 No Medication Management 8 No Legal Management 8 No Financial Management 4 No Physical Environment Management 4 No Additional Requirements Final Knowledge Examination Required Total Classroom Hours 40 Total Hours 40

Rule effective date of August 3, 2013 As of the effective date all training programs must comply with the new standards. Any previously approved or new training programs must apply to the Board for approval. Any previous training programs who will not be applying to the Board for approval must cease operation on August 3, 2013.

Q: Can I test out of the caregiver or manager training? A: No. All required training hours must be taken. Q: After I complete the class hours will I be issued a certificate? A: No. You have to also pass the final knowledge examination and then you will be issued a certificate. Q: Where do I take the final examination? A: There are test sites throughout the state. Q: If I fail the examination the first time can I take it again? A: Yes. If you fail the exam twice you cannot take it again without going through the training program again. Q: After I complete the class hours, is there a time limit to schedule and take the examination? A: No. But sooner is better then later.

NCIA/ALFM Board of Examiners Website: www.aznciaboard.us Allen Imig, Executive Director E-mail: allen.imig@aznciaboard.us Telephone: 602-542-8156 Fax: 602-542-8316