N.H. Code Admin. R. He-M 507.11 - Staff and Provider Training

(a) Prior to delivering community participation services to an individual, the provider agency shall orient staff, contracted providers, and consultants to the needs and interests of the specific individuals they serve, in the following areas:

(1) Rights and safety;

(2) Health-related requirements including those related to:

a. Current medical conditions, medical history, and routine and emergency protocols; and

b. Any special nutrition, dietary, hydration, elimination, or ambulation needs;

(3) Any communication needs;

(4) Any behavioral supports;

(5) The individuals' service agreements, including all goals and desired outcomes and methods or strategies to achieve the goals and desired outcomes; and

(6) The community participation services' evacuation procedures, if applicable.

(b) Provider agencies shall:

(1) Assign staff to work with an experienced staff member during their orientation if they have had no prior experience providing services to individuals;

(2) Train staff in accordance with (c) below within the first 6 months of employment; and

(3) Provide staff with training in accordance with their annual individual staff development plans.

(c) A provider agency shall train staff in the following areas within the first 6 months of employment:

(1) An overview of developmental disabilities and acquired brain disorders, which shall include:

a. An overview of the different types of disabilities and their causes;

b. An overview of the local and state service delivery system; and

c. An overview of professional services and technologies including therapies, assistive technologies, and environmental modifications necessary to achieve individuals' goals in the community, in the workplace, in recreation or leisure activities, and at home;

(2) An overview of conditions promoting or detracting from the quality of life that individuals enjoy, which shall:

a. Aid staff to develop an understanding of the stigmas, negative labels and common life experiences of people with disabilities; and

b. Aid staff to gain the competencies necessary to:

1. Support individuals to obtain and maintain valued social roles;

2. Support individuals to build relationships with their families, neighbors, co-workers and other community members;

3. Create and enhance opportunities for individuals to:

(i) Increase their presence in the life of their local communities; and

(ii) Increase the ways in which they contribute to their communities;

4. Support individuals to have as much control as possible over their own life;

5. Build individuals' skills, strengths and interests that are functional and meaningful in natural community environments; and

6. Create conditions that provide opportunities for individuals to experience and participate in a wide range of community organizations and resources;

(3) Methods to assist individuals with challenging behaviors utilizing positive behavioral supports;

(4) Techniques to:

a. Facilitate social relationships; and

b. Enhance skills that improve everyday living and promote independence;

(5) Basic health and safety practices related to:

a. Personal wellness;

b. Success in living, working, and recreating in the community; and

c. An understanding of the importance of common signs and symptoms of illness; and

(6) Skills necessary to support individuals to:

a. Make their own decisions;

b. Advocate for themselves; and

c. Create their own social networks.

Notes

N.H. Code Admin. R. He-M 507.11

#2269, eff 1-10-83; ss by #2963, eff 1-22-85; ss by #4314, eff 9-27-87; ss by #4659, eff 8-4-89; EXPIRED: 8-4-95

New. #6285, eff 7-12-96, EXPIRED: 7-12-04

New. #8142, INTERIM, eff 8-21-04, EXPIRED: 2-17-05

New. #8324, eff 4-16-05 (formerly He-M 507.10 ), EXPIRED: 4-16-13

New. #10320, INTERIM, eff 4-25-13, EXPIRES: 10-22-13; ss by #10426, eff 10-1-13 (from He-M 507.09 )