Implementation of Wisconsin Administrative Code DHS 129
PDF Version
of DQA 08-030 (PDF, 155 KB)
| Date: |
December 18, 2008 -- DQA Memo 08-030 |
| To: |
Nurse
Aide Training Programs NATP 10 |
| From: |
Shari Busse, Director
Office of Caregiver Quality |
| cc: |
Otis Woods, Administrator
Division of Quality Assurance
|
Implementation of Wisconsin Administrative Code DHS 129
DQA Memo 08-026 announced the legislature's approval of the revisions to
ch. DHS 129. The purpose of this memo is to provide direction and guidance
regarding the actual implementation of the changes that affect the training
of nurse aides as of December 1, 2008. The December 1, 2008 version of ch.
DHS 129 is available at http://www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/code/dhs/dhs129.pdf.
This memo contains important information on the following topics:
- Implementation Time Period,
- Requirements for all Current Nurse Aide Training Programs,
- Approval Process,
- Completion Certificate, and
- Nurse Aide Training & Testing Resources.
Implementation Time Period
Although ch. DHS 129 is effective December 1, 2008, the Department does
not expect nurse aide training programs currently approved for less than the
new minimum requirement of 120 hours to be at the new minimum requirement of
120 hours by that date. Nurse Aide Training programs that are currently
active with an approval date prior to November 1, 2008, may continue to
provide training until June 30, 2009.
As of June 30, 2009, all current training programs will be inactivated
and their approval revoked. Students who have completed these programs by
June 30, 2009 must successfully complete both parts of the NNAAP examination
within one year of successful completion of their training program.
Any entity wishing to conduct nurse aide training as of July 1, 2009 must
submit a new application that meets all requirements of ch. DHS 129 of the
Wisconsin Administrative Code dated December 1, 2008. Entities must submit
applications soon enough to allow for the review process and approval before
the requested implementation date or July 1, 2009, which ever is earlier.
Requirements for all Current Nurse Aide Training Programs
Every nurse aide training program currently approved to operate that
wishes to continue to train nurse aides after June 30, 2009 must submit a
new Nurse Aide Training Program Application. There will be no exceptions to
this requirement. All existing programs will be mailed a new application
packet.
All programs, including those currently operating at 120 hours or more,
must make updates to their program based on the requirements of DHS 129.
These updates may include, but are not limited to, the following:
Units of Instruction
On pages 13 through 23 of the application, the program must show where
the increase in hours will occur to satisfy the minimum of 120 hours
(including a minimum of 32 hours of clinical experience), and must include,
but is not limited to, instruction in the following areas:
- Commonly used alternatives to restraints in accordance with current
professional standards [129.07(b) 17, Wisconsin Administrative Code];
- Recognizing the general effects of prescribed routine medications
[129.07(b) 26, Wisconsin Administrative Code];
- Recognizing the therapeutic interventions and specialized
non-pharmacological pain control interventions [129.07(b) 27, Wisconsin
Administrative Code];
- Transferring clients safely and according to principles of patient
care ergonomics and with proficiency in use of available equipment that
is used to transfer clients. This requirement includes, but is not
limited to: mechanical lifts, friction reducing devices, wheelchairs and
gait belts [129.07(d) 3 Wisconsin Administrative Code];
- Possible causes of dementia-related symptomatic behavior changes,
specifically focusing on understanding behavior as an attempt to
communicate unmet needs and, then, how to address the unmet need,
including an understanding of how pain impacts behavior [129.07(f) 5,
Wisconsin Administrative Code];
- Ways to help a person with dementia continue meaningful involvement in
his or her day, the importance of structure and routine, and the
incorporation of the person's life story and past interests, routines,
tastes, values, and background [129.07(f) 6, Wisconsin Administrative
Code];
- The stress involved for a client, family, and nurse aide in caring for
a client with dementia and the techniques for coping with this stress;
ways to address the person with dementia's core needs of having
self-esteem boosted, being useful, giving and receiving love, and caring
for self and others [129.07(f) 7, Wisconsin Administrative Code].
Program Information
- The program must revise quizzes and exams to include questions
relating to the additional topics covered.
- Course syllabi and course calendars must be revised.
Attendance
- The attendance policy must reflect that a minimum of 120 hours of
class attendance is mandatory. A currently approved 120-hour program
that allows for absences without make-up provisions so that the student
does not complete 120 hours of instruction is no longer allowed.
- A program that allows absences must specify the number of absences
allowed and add those hours to the minimum 120 hours required. The
policy must specify at what point the student will be dropped from the
program due to excessive absenteeism.
- A program that allows make-up work for absences must specify the type
of make-up work allowed, including what a student must complete and when
the work is due.
In addition to the above curriculum requirements, all training programs
are encouraged to review and update their present policies and procedures as
they relate to dress code, cell phone, camera phone usage, etc. The Office
of Caregiver Quality has seen an increase in the number of misconduct
complaints involving the inappropriate use of cell phones and camera phones
by nurse aides who have violated resident rights by disclosing resident
information or pictures via their phones.
All nurse aide training programs must complete and submit a new Nurse
Aide Training Program Application as new curriculum topics have been
included in the December 1, 2008 version of ch. DHS 129. The following is
required for all applications:
- Nurse Aide Instructional Program Application (F-62220)
- List of current classrooms
- List of current clinical sites
- Record retention policy
- Bias free program policy
- Floor plan
- Performance records
- Program information, including policies related to program attendance,
standard of practice, student expectations, dress code, and grading
policies
- Program evaluation policy
- Organizational chart
- Program supply/equipment list
- List of primary instructors and program trainers (See note below.)
- Curriculum
The following is only required if there are changes:
- Primary Instructor Application (F-62610) and supporting documentation
for new instructors only
- Program Trainer Application (F-62687) and supporting documentation for
new trainers only
Application packets may also be obtained by contacting:
Cindy Hintze, Nurse Consultant
Office of Caregiver Quality
PO Box 2969
Madison, WI 53701-2969
(608) 261-8328
Cynthia.Hintze@wisconsin.gov
Approval Process
Ch. DHS 129.07 outlines the program operation and curriculum requirements
for all nurse aide training programs. A nurse aide training program must be
a minimum of 120 hours in length; this includes at least 32 hours of
clinical experience.
Applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.
Submitting an application packet after May 29, 2009 may delay the review and
approval process.
Programs wishing to begin a training program that meets the new
requirements prior to July 1, 2009, must specify the proposed date that the
first class will begin. All programs that submit materials for review will
be issued a new training program approval number. This will differentiate
between the programs approved prior to and those approved after July 1,
2009.
Completion Certificate
Each training program is required to provide a student with a certificate
verifying completion of the 120-hour nurse aide training. The certificate
should include the number of hours completed, the name of the program, the
date completed, and signatures of the Primary Instructor and Program
Manager. Programs may include the number of classroom and clinical hours, if
desired. Do not include the state assigned nurse aide training program
number on the certificate of completion. A sample completion certificate is
attached.
Nurse Aide Training and Testing Resources
Please access the website at http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/caregiver/NATD/NrsAidTrgPrgInf.HTM
for more information, including nurse aide forms, rules and regulations,
and contact information. There are a variety of useful tools on the Nurse
Aide website including:
If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Caregiver Quality
at (608) 261-8319 or DHSCaregiverIntake@wisconsin.gov.
Attachment: Sample
Completion Certificate
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