PURPOSE: This rule specifies the requirements for orientation and continuing education programs in hospitals.

1. (1) There shall be an orientation and continuing education program for the development and improvement of necessary skills and knowledge of the facility personnel.
2. (2) The orientation program shall be of the scope and duration necessary to effectively prepare personnel new to a unit for their assigned duties and responsibilities based on job descriptions. Temporary personnel shall participate in an orientation prior to providing direct patient care.
3. (3) Educational programs shall be conducted using internal or external resources and shall be planned and documented. Documentation on the topic, presenter, date/time of presentation and the program attendance shall be available.
4. (4) Teaching material and suitable references shall be identified and supplied as needed for the staff of each department or unit that treats patients.
5. (5) The orientation and continuing education program shall participate in the performance improvement process and shall provide evaluation opportunities appropriate to its goals and objectives.

6. (6) The continuing education program shall include, as appropriate for the job, but not be limited to:

   1. (A) Problems and needs of specific age 19 CSR 30-20

groups, chronically ill, acutely ill and disabled patients;

1. (B) Prevention and control of infections including universal precautions;
2. (C) Interpersonal relationships and communication skills;
3. (D) Fire prevention, safety and accident prevention;
4. (E) Patient rights, dignity and privacy issues;
5. (F) Licensed nursing personnel training on basic cardiac life support and choking prevention and intervention; and
6. (G) Any other educational need identified through the quality improvement activities and those generated by advances made in health care science and technology.

1. (7) Competency of all employees shall be evaluated annually based on job description and necessary job skills and knowledge.

AUTHORITY: sections 192.006 and 197.080, RSMo 2000.* This rule previously filed as 19 CSR 30-20.021(3)(L). Original rule filed June 27, 2007, effective Feb. 29, 2008.

*Original authority: 192.006, RSMo 1993, amended 1995 and 197.080, RSMo 1953, amended 1993, 1995.