In Illinois, regulations mandate specific dementia care training for staff in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) and long-term care facilities to ensure appropriate care for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (AD/ADRD) Services Curriculum:
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has developed a comprehensive curriculum for staff with direct access to clients with AD/ADRD:
- Initial Training: Staff hired after the adoption of the implementing rules must complete a minimum of six hours of initial training within the first 60 days of employment. The training utilizes the AD/ADRD services curriculum compiled by the Department.
- Ongoing Training: Staff with direct access to clients with dementia are required to complete three hours of advanced training each year. These requirements are detailed on the IDPH website.
Illinois Department of Public Health
Skilled Nursing and Intermediate Care Facilities:
The Illinois Administrative Code, Title 77, Part 300, Subpart U, outlines specific provisions for Alzheimer’s Special Care Units or Centers:
- Staffing Requirements: The unit director must meet certain educational criteria and possess relevant experience in dementia care. All staff assigned to these units are required to receive training pertinent to the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias. These regulations are specified in the Illinois Administrative Code.
ILGA
Nursing Assistants, Habilitation Aides, and Child Care Aides:
Illinois statutes require that these personnel obtain:
- In-House Training: Twelve hours of training focused on the care and treatment of residents with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. This mandate is outlined in the Illinois Alzheimer’s Disease Training Summary.
Alzheimer’s Association
The Illinois dementia training requirements reflect Illinois’s commitment to enhancing the quality of care for individuals with dementia in long-term care settings.
Regulation: 410 Ind. Admin. Code 16.2-3.1-14 (2013)
Justice in Aging
