Home Health Care Training Content
Pursuant to Minnesota Statute 144A.4795, Subd. 7., requirements for instructors, training content, and competency evaluations for unlicensed personnel, (a) instructors and competency evaluators must meet the following requirements:
(1) training and competency evaluations of unlicensed personnel providing basic home care services must be conducted by individuals with work experience and training in providing home care services listed in section 144A.471, subdivisions 6 and 7; and
(2) training and competency evaluations of unlicensed personnel providing comprehensive home care services must be conducted by a registered nurse, or another instructor may provide training in conjunction with the registered nurse. If the home care provider is providing services by licensed health professionals only, then that specific training and competency evaluation may be conducted by the licensed health professionals as appropriate.
(b) Training and competency evaluations for all unlicensed personnel must include the following:
(1) documentation requirements for all services provided;
(2) reports of changes in the client’s condition to the supervisor designated by the home care provider;
(3) basic infection control, including blood-borne pathogens;
(4) maintenance of a clean and safe environment;
(5) appropriate and safe techniques in personal hygiene and grooming, including:
(i) hair care and bathing;
(ii) care of teeth, gums, and oral prosthetic devices;
(iii) care and use of hearing aids; and
(iv) dressing and assisting with toileting;
(6) training on the prevention of falls for providers working with the elderly or individuals at risk of falls;
(7) standby assistance techniques and how to perform them;
(8) medication, exercise, and treatment reminders;
(9) basic nutrition, meal preparation, food safety, and assistance with eating;
(10) preparation of modified diets as ordered by a licensed health professional;
(11) communication skills that include preserving the dignity of the client and showing respect for the client and the client’s preferences, cultural background, and family;
(12) awareness of confidentiality and privacy;
(13) understanding appropriate boundaries between staff and clients and the client’s family;
(14) procedures to utilize in handling various emergency situations; and
(15) awareness of commonly used health technology equipment and assistive devices.
(c) In addition to paragraph (b), training and competency evaluation for unlicensed personnel providing comprehensive home care services must include:
(1) observation, reporting, and documenting of client status;
(2) basic knowledge of body functioning and changes in body functioning, injuries, or other observed changes that must be reported to appropriate personnel;
(3) reading and recording temperature, pulse, and respirations of the client;
(4) recognizing physical, emotional, cognitive, and developmental needs of the client;
(5) safe transfer techniques and ambulation;
(6) range of motioning and positioning; and
(7) administering medications or treatments as required.
(d) When the registered nurse or licensed health professional delegates tasks, they must ensure that prior to the delegation the unlicensed personnel is trained in the proper methods to perform the tasks or procedures for each client and are able to demonstrate the ability to competently follow the procedures and perform the tasks. If an unlicensed personnel has not regularly performed the delegated home care task for a period of 24 consecutive months, the unlicensed personnel must demonstrate competency in the task to the registered nurse or appropriate licensed health professional. The registered nurse or licensed health professional must document instructions for the delegated tasks in the client’s record.
Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect Attorney Kenneth LaBore has decades of experience and handles the following types of elder abuse claims and others:
Patient Lift Injuries and Other Improper Use of Medical Equipment
For a Free Consultation to obtain information on how to hold negligent wrongdoers accountable from an experienced attorney contact Minneapolis Elder Abuse Neglect Attorney Kenneth LaBore at 612-743-9048 or Toll Free at 1-888-452-6589, email: KLaBore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com