(a) Education on the dementia disease process, including the progression of the disease, memory loss, psychiatric and behavioral symptoms;
(b) Techniques for understanding and managing behavioral symptoms, including but not limited to reducing the use of antipsychotic medications for nonstandard uses;
(c) Strategies for addressing the social needs of persons with dementia and providing them with meaningful activities; and
(d) Information on addressing specific aspects of dementia care and ensuring the safety of residents with dementia, including but not limited to how to:
(A) Address pain;
(B) Provide food and fluids;
(C) Prevent wandering and elopement; and
(D) Use a person-centered approach.
(2) A residential care facility shall provide a certificate of completion to direct care staff who complete the training described in subsection (1) of this section. If a member of the direct care staff is employed by a different residential care facility no later than 24 months after completing the training, the facility may elect to not require the staff member to repeat the training.
(3) In addition to the training described in subsection (1) of this section, direct care staff each must complete annually at least six hours of training in dementia care. This training may be part of any existing continuing education requirement imposed by law.
(4) All training in dementia care provided to direct care staff must be approved by a private or nonprofit organization that is approved by the Department of Human Services and that has expertise and specializes in educational training for residential care facility staff.
(5) All training in dementia care provided to direct care staff must reflect current standards for dementia care and be informed by the best evidence in the care and treatment of dementia.
(6) The department shall prescribe by rule how to assess the competency of direct care staff. [2017 c.679 §25]