NAC449.3977. Attendants: Required knowledge and training.

     1. Each attendant of an agency shall:

     (a) Obtain a working knowledge of the provisions of this chapter which govern the licensing of agencies before providing personal care services to the clients of the agency. The agency must provide a copy of those provisions to an attendant before the attendant may provide personal care services to the clients of the agency.

     (b) Participate in and complete a training program before independently providing personal care services to the clients of the agency. The training program must include an opportunity for the attendant to receive on-the-job instruction provided to clients of the agency, as long as the administrator of the agency or the administrator’s designee provides supervision during this instruction to determine whether the attendant is able to provide personal care services successfully and independently to the client.

     (c) Receive training:

          (1) In the written documentation of:

               (I) Personal care services provided to the clients of the agency; and

               (II) Verification of time records.

          (2) In the rights of clients, including, without limitation, training in methods to protect client confidentiality pursuant to state and federal regulations.

          (3) Related to the special needs of elderly persons and persons with disabilities, including, without limitation, training in the sensory, physical and cognitive changes related to the aging process.

          (4) Related to communication skills, including, without limitation, active listening, problem solving, conflict resolution and techniques for communicating through alternative modes with persons with communication or sensory impairments.

          (5) In first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation. A certificate in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation issued by the American National Red Cross or an equivalent certificate will be accepted as proof of that training.

          (6) That is specifically related to the personal care services provided by the agency, including, as applicable, training in the following topics:

               (I) Duties and responsibilities of attendants and the appropriate techniques for providing personal care services;

               (II) Recognizing and responding to emergencies, including, without limitation, fires and medical emergencies;

               (III) Dealing with adverse behaviors;

               (IV) Nutrition and hydration, including, without limitation, special diets and meal preparation and service;

               (V) Bowel and bladder care, including, without limitation, routine care associated with toileting, routine maintenance of an indwelling catheter drainage system such as emptying the bag and positioning, routine care of colostomies such as emptying and changing the bag, signs and symptoms of urinary tract infections, and common bowel problems, including, without limitation, constipation and diarrhea;

               (VI) Skin care, including, without limitation, interventions that prevent pressure sores, routine inspections of the skin and reporting skin redness, discoloration or breakdown to the client or a representative of the client and to the administrator of the agency or the administrator’s designee;

               (VII) Methods and techniques to prevent skin breakdown, contractures and falls;

               (VIII) Hand washing and infection control;

               (IX) Body mechanics, mobility and transfer techniques, including, without limitation, simple nonprescribed range of motion; and

               (X) Maintenance of a clean and safe environment.

     2. Each attendant of an agency must be evaluated and determined to be competent by the agency in the required areas of training set forth in paragraph (c) of subsection 1.

     3. Each attendant of an agency must have evidence of successful completion of a training program that includes the areas of training set forth in paragraph (c) of subsection 1 within the 12 months immediately preceding the date on which the attendant first begins providing care to a client.

     (Added to NAC by Bd. of Health by R182-07, eff. 1-30-2008)