Virginia Law

A. Within three months of the starting date of employment, the administrator shall attend at least 12 hours of training in cognitive impairment that meets the requirements of subsection C of this section.

1. Training in cognitive impairment that meets the requirements of subsection C of this section and was completed in the year prior to employment is transferable and counts toward the required 12 hours if there is documentation of the training.

2. Whether the training counts toward continuing education for administrator licensure and for what period of time depends upon the licensure requirements of the Virginia Board of Long-Term Care Administrators.

B. Within four months of the starting date of employment in the safe, secure environment, direct care staff shall attend at least 10 hours of training in cognitive impairment that meets the requirements of subsection C of this section.

1. The training is counted toward the annual training requirement for the first year.

2. Training in cognitive impairment that meets the requirements of subsection C of this section and was completed in the year prior to employment is transferable if there is documentation of the training.

3. The documented previous cognitive impairment training referenced in subdivision 2 of this subsection is counted toward the required 10 hours but not toward the annual training requirement.

C. The training in cognitive impairment required by subsections A and B of this section shall be relevant to the population in care, shall maximize the level of a resident's functional ability, and shall include the following topics:

1. Information about cognitive impairment, including areas such as cause, progression, behaviors, and management of the condition;

2. Communicating with the resident;

3. Resident care techniques for persons with physical, cognitive, behavioral, and social disabilities;

4. Managing dysfunctional behavior;

5.Creating a therapeutic environment;

6. Planning and facilitating activities appropriate for each resident; and

7. Identifying and alleviating safety risks to residents with cognitive impairment.

D. The training specified in subsection C of this section shall be developed and provided by:

1. A licensed health care professional practicing within the scope of his profession who has at least 12 hours of training in the care of individuals with cognitive impairments due to dementia; or

2. A person who has been approved by the department to develop or provide the training.

E. Within the first month of employment, staff, other than the administrator and direct care staff, who will have contact with residents in the special care unit shall complete two hours of training on the nature and needs of residents with cognitive impairments due to dementia.