It would be helpful to have their response about home health agencies also in the bill to provide clarity.

 

651-415-4005

 

There is a bill with language around dementia training requirements of 144D and Anni has asked if MHCA has any concerns around this new language.

 

A bit of background: there was confusion around who needed to meet the dementia training requirements and I asked MDH for clarification. After some internal discussions, this was their reply:

 

“Home care agencies providing services in individual homes (not HWS registered settings) do not need to meet the requirements of 144D.065. Home health agencies are required to meet the requirements of 144A. 4796, subd. 5 Training required relating to Alzheimer’s and related disorders.” 

 

It appears to me that this new language only applies to HWS, but I may be missing something. I’m not certain how many of the MHCA members are impacted by this. Your input is greatly appreciated.

 

On lines 186.26 – 188.8 of this document: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/text.php?number=HF850&version=0&session=ls89&session_year=2015&session_number=0, you will find the proposed language around the dementia care training. Below is an overview summary of the language.

 

 

Overview: Sections 18 and 19 expand and strengthen the enforcement of dementia care training in housing with services establishments.

 

Section 18 (144D.01) adds the definition of “direct-care staff” to the housing with services chapter.

 

Section 19 (144D.12, sub. 1) requires DHS to enforce dementia care training among the staff of housing with services establishments, including direct-care staff, supervisors of direct-care staff, maintenance staff, housekeeping staff, food service staff, and housing managers.

 

Subd. 2 permits DHS to impose fines for failure to comply with required dementia care training, but the fines are subject to an appeals process; requires that employees be permitted to complete the training as part of their duties; does not allow payment of a fine to substitute for completion of the required training; permits the revocation or nonrenewal of registration for continued noncompliance with the requirement to receive the required training; and requires DHS to make public a list of all housing with services establishments that have complied with the training requirements.

 

Subd. 3 requires DHS, in lieu of imposing fines between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2016, to offer technical assistance to help providers come into compliance with the dementia care training requirements.

 

Thanks for your input!!