1. (a)

   1. (1) Alzheimer’s special care units shall staff according to this part.
   2. (2) Furthermore, the following staffing requirements are established for Alzheimer's special care units.

2. (b) Professional program services. A social worker or other professional staff, e.g., physician, registered nurse, or psychologist currently licensed by the State of Arkansas, shall be utilized to perform the following functions:

   1. (1) Complete an initial social history evaluation on each resident on admission;
   2. (2) Develop, coordinate, and use state or national resources and networks to meet the needs of the residents or their families;
   3. (3) Offer or encourage participation in monthly family support group meetings with documentation of meetings offered; and

   4. (4) Assist in development of the ISP, including but not limited to:

      1. (A) Ensuring that verbal stimulation, socialization, and reminiscing is identified in the ISP as a need;
      2. (B) Defining the services to be provided to address those needs identified above; and
      3. (C) Identifying the resident's preferences, likes, and dislikes.

3. (c) Staff and training.

   1. (1)

      1. (A) All ASCU staff members and consultants shall have the training specified in this part in the care of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementia.
      2. (B) The facility shall maintain records documenting:

4. (i) What training each staff member and consultant has received;

   1. (ii) The date it was received; and

      1. (iii) The subject of the training, and the source of the training.
   2. (2) Within six (6) months of the date that the long-term care facility first advertises or otherwise holds itself out as having one (1) or more special units for residents with a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, the facility shall have trained all staff who are scheduled or employed to work in the ASCU.
   3. (3) Subsequent to the requirements set forth in subdivision (c)(2) of this section, fifty percent (50%) of the staff working any shift shall have completed requirements as set forth in subdivision (c)(5) of this section.
   4. (4) After meeting the requirements of subdivision (c)(2) of this section, all new employees who will be assigned to or will work in the ASCU shall be trained within five (5) months of hiring, with no less than eight (8) hours of training per month during the five (5) month period.

   5. (5) In addition to any training requirements for any certification or licensure of the employee, training shall consist of, at a minimum:

      1. (A) Thirty (30) hours on the following subjects:

         1. (i) One (1) hour of the ASCU's policies;
         2. (ii) Three (3) hours of etiology, philosophy, and treatment of dementia;
         3. (iii) Two (2) hours on the stages of Alzheimer’s disease;
         4. (iv) Four (4) hours on behavior management;
         5. (v) Two (2) hours on use of physical restraints, wandering, and egress control;
         6. (vi) Two (2) hours on medication management;
         7. (vii) Four (4) hours on communication skills;
         8. (viii) Two (2) hours of prevention of staff burnout;
         9. (ix) Four (4) hours on activity programming;
         10. (x) Three (3) hours on ADLs and individual-centered care; and
         11. (xi) Three (3) hours on assessments and creation of ISPs;

      2. (B)

         1. (i) Ongoing, in-service training consisting of at least two (2) hours every quarter.
         2. (ii) The topics to be addressed in the in-service training shall include the following, and each topic shall be addressed at least once per year:

5. (a) (a) The nature of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia, including:

   1. (1) (1) The definition of dementia;
   2. (2) (2) The harm to individuals without a correct diagnosis; and
   3. (3) (3) The stages of Alzheimer’s disease;

6. (b) (b) Common behavior problems resulting from Alzheimer's or related dementia, and recommended behavior management for the problems;

   1. (c) (c) Communication skills to facilitate improved staff relations with residents;

      1. (d) (d) Positive therapeutic interventions and activities, such as:
   2. (1) (1) Exercise;
   3. (2) (2) Sensory stimulation; and
   4. (3) (3) Activities of daily living;
7. (e) (e) The benefits of family interaction with the resident, and the need for family interaction;
8. (f) (f) Developments and new trends in the fields of Alzheimer's or related dementia, and treatments for same;
9. (g) (g) Environmental modifications to minimize the effects and problems associated with Alzheimer's or related dementia; and

10. (h) (h) Development of ISPs, including but not limited to instruction on the method of updating and implementing ISPs across shifts; and

    1. (C) If the facility identifies or documents that a specific employee requires training in areas other than those set forth in subsection (c) of this section, the facility may provide training in the identified or documented areas, and may be substituted for those subjects listed in subdivisions (c)(5)(A) and (B).

       1. (d) Trainer requirements. The individual providing the training shall have:
    2. (1) A minimum of one (1) year uninterrupted employment in the care of Alzheimer’s residents;
    3. (2) Training in the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia; or
    4. (3) Been designated by the Alzheimer’s Arkansas Program and Services or the Alzheimer’s Association or its local chapter as being qualified to meet training requirements.

11. (e) Training manual.

    1. (1) The ASCU shall create and maintain a training manual consisting of the topics listed in subsection (c) of this section.
    2. (2) Further, the trainer shall provide training consistent with the training manual.

Codification Notes: “ISP” means individual support plan. "ASCU" means Alzheimer’s special care unit.