1. (a) A facility must adopt, implement, and enforce a written policy that:

   1. (1) requires a facility employee who provides direct care to a resident with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder to successfully complete training in the provision of care to residents with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders; and
   2. (2) ensures the care and services provided by a facility employee to a resident with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder meet the specific identified needs of the resident relating to the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder.

2. (b) The training required for facility employees under subsection (a)(1) of this section may be satisfied by completing the training required under §553.254 of this subchapter (relating to Training Requirements for Staff Providing Personal Care Services to a Resident With Alzheimer's Disease or a Related Disorder in a Facility that is Not an Alzheimer's Certified Facility) or §553.303 of this chapter (relating to Staff Training) but must include information about:

   1. (1) symptoms of dementia;
   2. (2) stages of Alzheimer's disease;
   3. (3) person-centered behavioral interventions; and
   4. (4) communication with a resident with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder.

Source Note:The provisions of this §553.255 adopted to be effective August 31, 2021, 46 TexReg 5017; amended to be effective September 12, 2024, 49 TexReg 7044.