58A-8.001. Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) Training Requirements

(1) Each home health agency licensed under Chapter 400, Part IV, F.S., shall ensure that agency employees providing direct care to patients receive the following training.

(a) Completion of the required two hours of training after June 30, 2005, shall satisfy the requirement referenced in Section 400.4785(1)(b), F.S. Agency employees who meet the requirements for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders training providers under paragraph (c) of this subsection shall be considered as having met this requirement. The two-hour training shall address the following subject areas:

1. Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders;

2. Communicating with patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders;

3. Behavior management;

4. Promoting independence through assistance with activities of daily living; and

5. Developing skills for working with families and caregivers.

(b) A detailed description of the subject areas that shall be included in an ADRD curriculum which meets the requirements of paragraph (a) of this subsection can be found in the document “Training Guidelines for the Special Care of Home Health Agency Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders”, July 2005, incorporated by reference, available from the Department of Elder Affairs, 4040 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-7000.

(c) Persons who seek to provide ADRD training in accordance with this subsection shall provide the Department of Elder Affairs, or its designee, documentation that they hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or hold a license as a registered nurse, and:

1. Have 1 year teaching experience as an educator of caregivers for persons with ADRD; or

2. Have 1 year of clinical experience providing direct personal health care services to persons with ADRD; or

3. Have completed a specialized training program in ADRD from a university or an accredited health care, human service, or gerontology continuing education provider.

(d) With reference to requirements in paragraph (c), a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a subject related to the content of this training program can substitute for the teaching experience. Years of teaching experience related to the subject matter of this training program may substitute on a year-by-year basis for the required Bachelor’s degree referenced in paragraph (c).

(2) A facility employee who has successfully completed training and continuing education consistent with the requirements of Section 429.178, F.S., or completed training consistent with the requirements of Sections 400.1755, 429.917 or 400.6045, F.S., shall be considered as having met the training requirements of this rule.

Rulemaking Authority  400.4785(1)(f) FS. Law Implemented 400.4785 FS. History–New 10-5-05.