The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a memo that explains the new training requirements for skilled nursing facilities imposed by the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PPACA). Section 6121 of PPACA now requires Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) to receive additional training in dementia care and abuse prevention as part of the annual 12-hour training requirement. Accordingly, CMS has revised the Interpretive Guidelines for the In-service Training Tag (F497) and is working to codify these changes directly into 42 C.F.R. 483.75(e)(8).
A New Approach
CMS anticipates the new training protocol will promote a better quality of life for residents living with dementia, and will allow facilities to practice the most current clinical standards. CMS calls this its patient-centered approach, focusing on relationship development and behavioral understanding. Alice Bonner, CMS Division of Nursing Homes Director, says the goal of the new mandate is to encompass the skilled nursing facility as a whole, starting directly at the point-of-care.
Anticipated CMS Training
One part of the CMS plan is to consult with experts and national stakeholder groups to develop its materials. Additionally, CMS is collaborating with an educational contractor as well as locating "best practice" facilities that excel in dementia care and abuse prevention to analyze their training mechanisms.
To assist with compliance under Section 6121, CMS is developing a set of training materials that facilities can use to educate their CNAs and other employees. While the CMS version is still underway, the CMS memo includes a list of alternate, CMS-approved programs that facilities can access. CMS recommends providers take advantage of these resources to enhance internal training procedures and employees' skills.
While no specifics have been released, one report suggests the CMS materials could assume a module-style format, and include items like an instructor guide, demo training class, and hour-long DVD clips. The overall goal is to develop a program that translates across all types of facilities and serves as a reliable training resource. However, providers will not be limited to the CMS materials.
Alternative Training Products
Right now a variety of options exist for facilities in need of updating their CNA training. CMS identifies multiple resources that will assist in complying with Section 6121, ranging from video modules to interactive sessions. Regardless of which one a facility chooses, each of the following offers practical techniques and valuable educational tools:
Online
Other Products
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Foundations of Dementia Care, http://www.alz.org (Available through local Alzheimer’s Association Chapters).
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More Than Words: A New Culture of Care and Communication with Persons who Have Dementia, http://www.terranova.org (One-time fee to purchase DVD, or rental)
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Abuse: The Resident’s Perspective, www.terranova.org (One-time fee to purchase video or rental fee).
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Eliminating Negative & Abusive Interactions: Preventing & Reducing Negative & Abusive Responses, http://www.terranova.org (One-time fee to purchase video or rental fee).
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Resident Abuse: Prevention and Protection http://www.eldercarecommunications.com (One-time fee to purchase).
For More Information
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