SECTION 553.303. Staff Training

(a) In addition to the staff training requirements under §553.253 of this chapter (relating to Employee Qualifications and Training), all staff members must receive four hours of dementia-specific orientation prior to assuming any job responsibilities. Training must cover, at a minimum, the following topics:

(1) basic information about the causes, progression, and management of Alzheimer's disease;

(2) managing dysfunctional behavior; and

(3) identifying and alleviating safety risks to residents with Alzheimer's disease.

(b) In addition to the staff training requirements under §553.253 of this chapter, attendants must receive 16 hours of on-the-job supervision and training within the first 16 hours of employment following orientation. Training must cover:

(1) providing assistance with the activities of daily living;

(2) emergency and evacuation procedures specific to the dementia population;

(3) managing dysfunctional behavior; and

(4) behavior management, including prevention of aggressive behavior and de-escalation techniques, fall prevention, or alternatives to restraints.

(c) In addition to the staff training requirements under §553.253 of this chapter, attendants must annually complete 12 hours of in-service education regarding Alzheimer's disease. One hour of annual training must address behavior management, including prevention of aggressive behavior and de-escalation techniques, or fall prevention, or alternatives to restraints. Training for these subjects must be competency-based. Subject matter must address the unique needs of the facility. Additional suggested topics include:

(1) assessing resident capabilities and developing and implementing service plans;

(2) promoting resident dignity, independence, individuality, privacy, and choice;

(3) planning and facilitating activities appropriate for the dementia resident;

(4) communicating with families and other persons interested in the resident;

(5) resident rights and principles of self-determination;

(6) care of elderly persons with physical, cognitive, behavioral, and social disabilities;

(7) medical and social needs of the resident;

(8) common psychotropics and side effects; and

(9) local community resources.

Source Note: The provisions of this §553.303 adopted to be effective August 31, 2021, 46 TexReg 2017