KRS 194A.7205: Training requirements for assisted living community with dementia

care -- Documentation.

In addition to the training required for all assisted living communities, an assisted living

community with dementia care shall meet the following trai ning requirements for staff

who work on its secured dementia care unit:

(1) All staff shall receive at least eight (8) hours of dementia-specific orientation within

the first thirty (30) days of working in the secured dementia care unit. Until this

initial training is complete, an employee shall not provide direct care unless there is

another employee on site who has completed the initial eight (8) hours of training

on topics related to dementia care and who can act as a resource and assist as

needed. The orientation shall include:

(a) Information about the nature, progression, and management of Alzheimer's

and other dementia illnesses and disorders;

(b) Methods for creating an environment that minimizes challenging behavior

from residents with Alzheimer's and other dementia illnesses and disorders;

(c) Methods for identifying and minimizing safety risks to residents with

Alzheimer's and other dementia illnesses and disorders; and

(d) Methods for communicating with individuals with Alzheimer's and other

dementia illnesses and disorders;

(2) All direct care staff members shall also receive orientation training within the first

thirty (30) days of caring for residents that includes at a minimum:

(a) General training, including:

1. Development and implementation of comprehensive and individual

service plans;

2. Skills for recognizing physical and cognitive changes in residents;

3. General infection control principles; and

4. Emergency preparedness training; and

(b) Specialized training in dementia care, including:

1. The nature of Alzheimer's and other dementia illnesses and disorders;

2. The unit's philosophy related to the care of residents with Alzheimer's

and other dementia illnesses and disorders;

3. The unit's policies and procedures related to the care of residents with

Alzheimer's and other dementia illnesses and disorders;

4. Behavioral problems commonly found in residents with Alzheimer's and

other dementia illnesses and disorders;

5. Positive therapeutic interventions and activities;

6. Skills for maintaining the safety of the residents; and

7. The role of family in caring for residents with Alzheimer's and other

dementia illnesses and disorders;

(3) Direct care staff shall complete a minimum of sixteen (16 ) hours of specialized

training in dementia care within the first thirty (30) days of working independently

with residents with Alzheimer's or other dementia illnesses and disorders, and a

minimum of eight (8) hours of specialized training in dementia care annually

thereafter;

(4) The secured dementia care unit shall maintain documentation reflecting course

content, instructor qualifications, agenda, and attendance rosters for all training

sessions provided; and

(5) Completion of orientation and training re quired pursuant to this section and KRS

194A.719 shall be deemed to satisfy the requirements of KRS 216B.072.