In Florida, regulations mandate specific training for staff in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) and long-term care facilities to ensure appropriate care for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
General Requirements for All Covered Providers: According to Florida Statute § 430.5025, all employees of covered providers must complete the following training:
- Basic Written Information: Upon beginning employment, each employee must receive basic written information about interacting with persons who have Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias.
- Initial Training: Within 30 days of employment, employees who provide personal care or have regular contact with participants, patients, or residents must complete a 1-hour training program provided by the Department of Elder Affairs. This training includes understanding the basics of common forms of dementia, identifying signs and symptoms, and communication skills.
- Additional Training: Within 7 months of employment, employees of home health agencies, nurse registries, or companion or homemaker service providers who provide personal care must complete an additional 2 hours of training. This training covers behavior management, promoting independence in activities of daily living, and working with families and caregivers.
- Regulation: These requirements are detailed in Florida Statute § 430.5025.
Florida Senate
Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs):
For ALFs, the Florida Administrative Code Rule 59A-36.011 specifies:
- Initial Training: Direct care staff must complete 4 hours of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders (ADRD) training within 3 months of employment.
- Ongoing Training: Direct care staff are required to complete 4 additional hours of ADRD training annually.
- Regulation: These provisions are outlined in Rule 59A-36.011 of the Florida Administrative Code.
Agency for Health Care Administration
Nursing Homes: For nursing homes, the Department of Elder Affairs provides a 3-hour training curriculum approved to meet the requirements in s. 430.5025, Florida Statutes. Completion of this curriculum is required for all employees in a nursing home who provide direct care to residents with ADRD.
Florida Health Care Association
The Florida dementia training requirements reflect Florida’s commitment to enhancing the quality of care for individuals with dementia in long-term care settings.
Regulation: Fla. Stat. § 400.1755
Justice in Aging
