Feeding Assistant Program: Employment Requirements
Feeding assistants may only work for a long-term care facility if they:
- Are at least 16 years old.
- Complete an approved training program.
- Pass a background check.
- Pass a competency assessment.
Learn more about the Feeding Assistant Program
Other requirements
Continuing education
Feeding assistants must receive annual:
- Assessments on their ability to help residents.
- Trainings on relevant topics.
Curriculum
A facility must choose its training curriculum based on the charge nurse's most recent assessment of residents:
- Care plans.
- Needs.
Feeding
Feeding assistants can only help residents who don't have a complicated feeding problem.
Complicated feeding problems include:
- Being fed by IV or tube.
- Frequent lung infections.
- Trouble swallowing.
Only a licensed health worker with the necessary training can help residents with a complicated feeding problem.
Feeding assistants can help residents in the dining room or in their rooms. They can't perform services other than helping residents eat and drink.
Supervision
A facility must provide different supervision to feeding assistants depending on age:
- For those 16 to 18: An RN (registered nurse) or LPN (licensed practical nurse) must provide direct supervision. That means the nurse must be on the same floor or in the same unit.
- For those 18 and older: An RN or LPN must provide general supervision.
- In an emergency, a feeding assistant must call their supervisor right away.