N.J. Admin. Code § 5:27-13.3 - Training and staffing requirements

(a) All staff who are employed in the facility and are regularly in direct contact with residents shall complete the applicable courses and training programs set forth in (a)1 through 4 below and approved by the Bureau, at such time as such courses and training programs are available, in the care of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders and other forms of dementia. Any such course shall provide all information concerning these diseases and accepted methods of care and treatment with which the Bureau shall deem it appropriate that persons providing care be familiar.

1. All operators shall obtain certification for having successfully completed the basic boarding home training course (75 hours) given by the Department of Human Services. All other employees who are regularly in direct contact with residents shall successfully complete the home health aide course (75 hours) given by a home health agency approved by the State Board of Nursing.

2. All employees who are regularly in direct contact with residents shall complete a five-day course given by a Registered Nurse or other professional approved by the Bureau which shall include orientation to the facility and specific training regarding Alzheimer's disease. The course shall be divided as follows:

i. Day One: Mission; policies and procedures; rules for residents; rules for staff; scheduling of meals and activities; documentation requirements; residents' rights; confidentiality; and ethical behavior;

ii. Day Two: Safety issues; preventing falls and accidents; fire training and evacuation; infection controls and universal precautions; and OSHA, Right-to-Know and related issues;

iii. Day Three: Didactic information concerning Alzheimer's disease; audiovisuals; role plays; definition of dementia; associated behaviors of dementia (such as rummaging, wandering, impulsiveness, etc.); distinctive characteristics of individuals with dementia; and use of Assisted Living University or similar tapes;

iv. Days Four and Five: Structured observation at a dementia-specific adult day care program or at a dementia unit of an assisted living facility; trainees to observe a multidisciplinary team in action with clients with dementia and to be given structured worksheets to complete; and trainees to participate in discussion sessions with their supervisor each day.

3. During the first 30 days on the job, a new employee shall be paired with an employee with more than one year of work experience, so that there will be role-modeling and instant feedback for problem-solving.

4. Home health aides shall have a minimum of 12 hours per year of continuing education. This shall be accomplished through required monthly support group meetings with their peers and the supervising Registered Nurse or a social worker. The purpose of these meetings shall be to provide new information, shared information and validation of feelings for participants. Such meetings may be organized jointly for staff of more than one facility.

(b) At least two staff persons capable of providing assistance to residents shall be awake and on duty at all times.

Notes

N.J. Admin. Code § 5:27-13.3