At C-E-U.com, we recognize the critical role that caregivers play in supporting individuals with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD). Our newly launched training program is specifically designed to equip caregivers with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide compassionate and effective care.
Our ADRD training is not just comprehensive but also DOEA approved, ensuring compliance with Florida's stringent regulatory standards. As per AHCA's upcoming enforcement guidelines, this training will be mandatory for all caregivers, underscoring its importance in maintaining quality care standards.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, many businesses and professionals in the caregiving sector are unaware of recent changes that are set to impact the way Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) training is provided. One of the most significant updates is the new requirement that all in-home caregivers must complete 2 hours of Alzheimer’s training that is DOEA (Department of Elder Affairs) approved.
Previously, many businesses and caregivers operated under the assumption that general 2-hour training related to Alzheimer’s care was sufficient. However, with the enforcement of Florida Statutes FS 430.5025(4 & 7-9) and the ASPEN Core Tags CZ (recently updated to) ZZ 875, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) now mandates that the training specifically meet their approval standards. This means that simply offering general Alzheimer's care training will no longer be enough to comply with state regulations. Caregivers must complete a DOEA approved 2-hour course, which covers a comprehensive understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia, as well as effective care strategies tailored to these conditions.
Many businesses in the caregiver industry may not yet be aware of these new requirements for several reasons:
Lack of Communication: Changes in regulations can often be overlooked or misunderstood due to limited communication between state regulatory bodies and businesses. Small businesses, in particular, may not have the resources or knowledge to stay up-to-date with rapidly changing compliance rules.
Industry Shift: The shift from basic training to DOEA approved training has introduced new complexity that wasn’t always part of the caregiving curriculum. Without clear guidelines and communication, it's easy for businesses to miss these updates.
Overlooked Enforcement: Though the enforcement of these new rules is forthcoming, many businesses may not be fully aware of how soon it will be enforced or how it will directly impact their day-to-day operations and compliance status.
For caregivers and caregiving businesses, staying ahead of these changes is crucial. Not only do they ensure that you comply with the law, but these regulations also provide an opportunity to enhance the quality of care your team delivers. Implementing DOEA approved ADRD training can help businesses:
Ensure Compliance: Avoid penalties or operational interruptions by meeting the new state training requirements.
Improve Care Standards: Provide caregivers with in-depth, state-approved knowledge that equips them to deliver better care to clients with Alzheimer’s and other related dementias.
Enhance Reputation: Demonstrating your commitment to compliance and quality care strengthens your reputation within the caregiving industry and among clients.
With the new DOEA-approved Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) training requirements coming into effect, businesses in the caregiving sector must take proactive steps to ensure compliance and maintain high-quality care standards. Here's a breakdown of how businesses can prepare to meet these regulations:
Initial Employee Training: As part of the new mandate, businesses must ensure that all employees, including caregivers and office staff, receive basic written information about interacting with individuals who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia upon beginning employment. This is the first step in ensuring that your team has a foundational understanding of how to engage with people affected by dementia.
1-Hour Department Training within 30 Days: Within 30 days of beginning employment, employees who provide personal care or have regular contact with participants, patients, or residents must complete a 1-hour training program provided by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. This training is available for free at Florida DOEA’s ADRD Training Portal.
This training will provide employees with essential knowledge on how to interact with individuals who have Alzheimer's or related dementias. It's critical that businesses ensure all eligible employees complete this training promptly to avoid compliance issues.
2-Hour DOEA-Approved Training Within 7 Months: For home health agencies, nurse registries, and companion or homemaker service providers, there is an additional requirement: within 7 months of employment, employees who provide personal care must complete 2 hours of additional ADRD training. This training goes beyond the basics and must include, but is not limited to:
Behavior Management: Techniques for managing difficult behaviors commonly associated with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
Promoting Independence: Strategies for supporting individuals with dementia in performing activities of daily living.
Family and Caregiver Support: Developing skills to work effectively with families and other caregivers to ensure a holistic approach to care.
Most importantly, this additional 2-hour training must be DOEA-approved, and businesses must ensure that the training they provide meets the department’s standards. At C-E-U.com, we offer a DOEA-approved ADRD training program that satisfies this requirement and prepares your staff for the challenges of caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s and related dementias.
Training Requirements for Employees and Contractors
Adding to the confusion. For all individuals employed, contracted, or referred to provide services before July 1, 2023, they must complete the required Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) training by July 1, 2026. If an individual has completed equivalent training before July 1, 2023, that training can substitute for the required ADRD training, as long as it meets the department’s standards.
On the other hand, individuals employed, contracted, or referred to provide services on or after July 1, 2023, may complete training using approved curricula under the guidelines specified in paragraph (5)(d) until the rules adopted by the department become effective. These provisions ensure that all personnel are properly trained to meet the state’s evolving caregiving standards while allowing flexibility for those who were trained prior to the July 2023 deadline.
Track and Document Training Completion: It’s essential to keep meticulous records of training completion for each employee. This documentation will serve as proof of compliance in case of an audit and is necessary to demonstrate that your team has met the required training standards. Set up an internal tracking system to monitor when employees complete their training and ensure timely follow-ups if needed.
Review and Update Policies and Procedures: Review your business policies and procedures to ensure they reflect the new ADRD training requirements. Update your employee handbooks, training manuals, and onboarding materials to include these mandatory training steps. Communicating these new policies clearly to your employees will help ensure a smooth transition to the updated training requirements.
Ongoing Education and Refresher Training: While the mandatory training is required within the first few months of employment, consider offering ongoing education and refresher courses. Alzheimer’s and related dementias are complex, and keeping your team up-to-date on the latest care techniques and regulatory requirements is vital for maintaining the highest standard of care.
Not all Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementia (ADRD) training programs meet the stringent standards set by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA). To ensure compliance with Florida Statutes FS 430.5025(4 & 7–9) and ASPEN Core Tags CZ and ZZ 875, it's crucial for businesses to verify that their training providers and curricula are DOEA-approved.
To confirm whether a training program is DOEA-approved, visit the official DOEA List of Approved Trainers and Curricula. This comprehensive directory allows you to search for approved trainers and curricula by various criteria, including care setting type and geographical location. Each listing provides detailed contact information and approval status, ensuring that you can select a training provider that meets the state's requirements.
It's important to note that any training not listed on this directory has not been approved by the DOEA and does not satisfy the training requirements outlined in FS 430.5025. Relying on non-approved training could result in non-compliance and potential penalties for your organization. For businesses seeking to provide ADRD training, it's essential to choose a provider from this approved list to ensure that your training programs are legitimate and meet the necessary regulatory standards.
By enrolling in our ADRD training, caregivers gain:
Expertise: Acquire specialized knowledge endorsed by AHCA and DOEA, enhancing professional credibility.
Compliance: Stay ahead of regulatory changes with a course that aligns with upcoming AHCA mandates.
Quality Care: Deliver compassionate and effective care to individuals with ADRD, improving overall client outcomes.
Ready to elevate your caregiving skills and meet regulatory standards? Visit C-E-U.com to enroll in our DOEA approved ADRD training today. Ensure you're prepared for AHCA's enforcement and provide the highest level of care to those in need.
Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of caregivers and their clients. For more information, contact us or explore our other compliance-focused courses designed to support your professional development.