Delaware mandates 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.
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs): The Delaware Administrative Code, Title 16, Section 3220, specifies training requirements for CNAs:
- Initial Training: CNAs must complete a state-approved training program that includes instruction on dementia care.
- Continuing Education: Within each 24-month certification period, CNAs are required to complete 24 hours of Department-approved continuing education, which must include:
- Six hours of dementia-specific training.
- Two hours focused on the prevention of resident/patient abuse, neglect, and mistreatment.
- Regulation: These provisions are detailed in the Delaware Administrative Code, Title 16, Section 3220.
Assisted Living Facilities: Delaware Code, Title 16, Chapter 11, Subchapter X, Section 1194, outlines dementia care services training for staff employed by assisted living facilities:
- Direct Care Staff:
- Must complete a minimum of four hours of dementia care services training within 60 days of employment.
- Training topics include:
- Communicating and interacting with individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.
- Safety measures, including preventing and responding to unauthorized exits.
- Non-Direct Care Staff:
- Required to complete at least two hours of dementia care services training within 60 days of employment.
- Training covers similar topics pertinent to their roles.
- Annual Training:
- Direct care staff must complete a minimum of four hours of dementia care services training annually.
- Non-direct care staff are required to complete at least two hours of annual training.
- Regulation: These requirements are specified in Delaware Code, Title 16, Section 1194.
The Delaware Alzheimer’s dementia training requirements reflect the state’s commitment to enhancing the quality of care for individuals with dementia in long-term care settings.
Casetext, CSG
