Assembly Bill No. 1570

CHAPTER 698

An act to amend, repeal, and add Sections 1569.23, 1569.625, and 1569.626 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to care facilities.

[Approved by Governor September 28, 2014. Filed with Secretary of State September 28, 2014.]

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

AB 1570, Chesbro. Residential care facilities for the elderly.

Existing law provides for the licensure and regulation of residential care facilities for the elderly by the State Department of Social Services. Violation of these provisions is a misdemeanor. Existing law requires, as a requirement for licensure, that the applicant demonstrate that he or she has successfully completed a certification program approved by the department that includes, at a minimum, 40 hours of classroom instruction, and provides that successful completion of the certification program shall be demonstrated by passing a written test and submitting a $100 fee to the department for the issuance of a certificate of completion. Existing law also requires the department to adopt regulations to require staff members of residential care facilities for the elderly who assist residents with personal activities of daily living to receive appropriate training, which includes 10 hours within the first 4 weeks of employment and 4 hours annually thereafter. Existing law requires all residential care facilities for the elderly that advertise or promote special care, special programming, or a special environment for persons with dementia to meet additional training requirements for all direct staff.

This bill would, effective January 1, 2016, instead, require the certification program for an applicant for licensure to consist of 80 hours of coursework and a state-administered examination of no less than 100 questions. The bill would require the examination to reflect the uniform core of knowledge required and would require the department, no later than July 1, 2016, and every other year thereafter, to review and revise the examination in order to ensure the rigor and quality of the examination. The bill would require staff members of residential care facilities for the elderly who assist residents with personal activities of daily living to receive 20 hours of training before working independently with residents, an additional 20 hours within the first 4 weeks of employment, and an additional 20 hours annually, as prescribed. The bill would also apply the training requirements specific to dementia care to all residential care facilities for the elderly.

By expanding the scope of a crime, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

This bill would incorporate additional changes to Section 1569.625 of the Health and Safety Code proposed by AB 2044 that would become operative if this bill and AB 2044 are both enacted and this bill is enacted last.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

This bill would become operative only if SB 911 is enacted and takes effect on or before January 1, 2015.

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.  

Section 1569.23 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:

1569.23.  

(a)  As a requirement for licensure, the applicant shall demonstrate that he or she has successfully completed a certification program approved by the department.

(b)  The certification program shall be for a minimum of 40 hours of classroom instruction and include a uniform core of knowledge which shall include all of the following:

(1)  Law, regulations, policies, and procedural standards that impact the operations of residential care facilities for the elderly.

(2)  Business operations.

(3)  Management and supervision of staff.

(4)  Psychosocial need of the elderly residents.

(5)  Physical needs for elderly residents.

(6)  Community and support services.

(7)  Use, misuse, and interaction of drugs commonly used by the elderly.

(8)  Resident admission, retention, and assessment procedures.

(c)  Successful completion of the certification program shall be demonstrated by passing a written test and submitting a fee of one hundred dollars ($100) to the department for the issuance of a certificate of completion.

(d)  The department shall establish by regulation the program content, the testing instrument, process for approving certification programs, and criteria to be used for authorizing individuals or organizations to conduct certification programs. These regulations shall be developed with the participation of provider organizations.

(e)  This section shall apply to all applications for licensure unless the applicant provides evidence that he or she has a current license for another residential care facility for the elderly which was initially licensed prior to July 1, 1989, or has successfully completed an approved certification program within the prior five years.

(f)  If the applicant is a firm, partnership, association, or corporation, the chief executive officer, or other person serving in a like capacity, or the designated administrator of the facility, shall provide evidence of successfully completing an approved certification program.

(g) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2016, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is enacted before January 1, 2016, deletes or extends that date.

SEC. 2.  

Section 1569.23 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:

1569.23.  

(a) As a requirement for licensure, the applicant shall demonstrate that he or she has successfully completed a certification program approved by the department.

(b) The certification program shall consist of both of the following:

(1) Eighty hours of coursework, at least 60 hours of which shall be attended in person.

(2) A state-administered examination consisting of no less than 100 questions. The examination shall reflect the uniform core of knowledge required pursuant to subdivision (c).

(c) The certification program shall include a uniform core of knowledge which shall include all of the following:

(1) Law, including regulations, policies, and procedural standards that impact the operations of residential care facilities for the elderly.

(2) Business operations.

(3) Management and supervision of staff.

(4) Psychosocial need of the elderly residents.

(5) Physical needs for elderly residents.

(6) Community and support services.

(7) Medication management, including use, misuse, and interaction of drugs commonly used by the elderly, including antipsychotics, and the adverse effects of psychotropic drugs for use in controlling the behavior of persons with dementia.

(8) Resident admission, retention, and assessment procedures.

(9) Managing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including nonpharmacologic, person-centered approaches to dementia care.

(10) Managing the physical environment, including maintenance and housekeeping.

(11) Residents’ rights, and the importance of initial and ongoing training for all staff to ensure residents’ rights are fully respected and implemented.

(12) Cultural competency and sensitivity in issues relating to the underserved, aging, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

(13) Postural supports, restricted health conditions, and hospice care.

(d) Successful completion of the certification program shall be demonstrated by passing the state-administered examination and submitting a fee of one hundred dollars ($100) to the department for the issuance of a certificate of completion.

(e) (1) The department shall establish by regulation the program content, the testing instrument, process for approving certification programs, and criteria to be used for authorizing individuals or organizations to conduct certification programs. These regulations shall be developed with the participation of provider organizations.

(2) The department shall ensure that the examination consists of at least 100 questions and allows an applicant to have access to the California Residential Care Facility for the Elderly Act and related regulations during the examination. The department, no later than July 1 of every other year, shall review and revise the examination in order to ensure the rigor and quality of the examination. Each year, the department shall ensure by January 1 that the exam is not in conflict with current law. The department may convene a stakeholder group to assist in developing and reviewing test questions.

(f) This section shall apply to all applications for licensure unless the applicant provides evidence that he or she has a current license for another residential care facility for the elderly which was initially licensed prior to July 1, 1989, or has successfully completed an approved certification program within the prior five years.

(g) If the applicant is a firm, partnership, association, or corporation, the chief executive officer, or other person serving in a like capacity, or the designated administrator of the facility, shall provide evidence of successfully completing an approved certification program.

(h) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2016.

SEC. 3.  

Section 1569.625 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:

1569.625.  

(a)  The Legislature finds that the quality of services provided to residents of residential care facilities for the elderly is dependent upon the training and skills of staff. It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to ensure that direct-care staff have the knowledge and proficiency to carry out the tasks of their jobs.

(b)  The department shall adopt regulations to require staff members of residential care facilities for the elderly who assist residents with personal activities of daily living to receive appropriate training. This training shall consist of 10 hours of training within the first four weeks of employment and four hours annually thereafter. This training shall be administered on the job, or in a classroom setting, or any combination of the two. The department shall establish, in consultation with provider organizations, the subject matter required for this training.

(c)  The training shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(1)  Physical limitations and needs of the elderly.

(2)  Importance and techniques for personal care services.

(3)  Residents’ rights.

(4)  Policies and procedures regarding medications.

(5)  Psychosocial needs of the elderly.

(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2016, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is enacted before January 1, 2016, deletes or extends that date.

SEC. 3.5.  

Section 1569.625 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:

1569.625.  

(a) The Legislature finds that the quality of services provided to residents of residential care facilities for the elderly is dependent upon the training and skills of staff. It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to ensure that direct-care staff have the knowledge and proficiency to carry out the tasks of their jobs.

(b) The department shall adopt regulations to require staff members of residential care facilities for the elderly who assist residents with personal activities of daily living to receive appropriate training. This training shall consist of 10 hours of training within the first four weeks of employment and four hours annually thereafter. This training shall be administered on the job, or in a classroom setting, or any combination of the two. The department shall establish, in consultation with provider organizations, the subject matter required for this training.

(c) The training shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(1) Physical limitations and needs of the elderly.

(2) Importance and techniques for personal care services.

(3) Residents’ rights.

(4) Policies and procedures regarding medications.

(5) Psychosocial needs of the elderly.

(6) Building and fire safety and the appropriate response to emergencies.

(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2016, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is enacted before January 1, 2016, deletes or extends that date.

SEC. 4.  

Section 1569.625 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:

1569.625.  

(a) The Legislature finds that the quality of services provided to residents of residential care facilities for the elderly is dependent upon the training and skills of the staff. It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to ensure that direct-care staff have the knowledge and proficiency to carry out the tasks of their jobs.

(b) (1) The department shall adopt regulations to require staff members of residential care facilities for the elderly who assist residents with personal activities of daily living to receive appropriate training. This training shall consist of 40 hours training. A staff member shall complete 20 hours, including six hours specific to dementia care, as required by subdivision (a) of Section 1569.626 and four hours specific to postural supports, restricted health conditions, and hospice care, as required by subdivision (a) of Section 1569.696, before working independently with residents. The remaining 20 hours shall include six hours specific to dementia care and shall be completed within the first four weeks of employment. The training coursework may utilize various methods of instruction, including, but not limited to, lectures, instructional videos, and interactive online courses. The additional 16 hours shall be hands-on training.

(2) In addition to paragraph (1), training requirements shall also include an additional 20 hours annually, eight hours of which shall be dementia care training, as required by subdivision (a) of Section 1569.626, and four hours of which shall be specific to postural supports, restricted health conditions, and hospice care, as required by subdivision (a) of Section 1569.696. This training shall be administered on the job, or in a classroom setting, or both, and may include online training.

(3) The department shall establish, in consultation with provider organizations, the subject matter required for the training required by this section.

(c) The training shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(1) Physical limitations and needs of the elderly.

(2) Importance and techniques for personal care services.

(3) Residents’ rights.

(4) Policies and procedures regarding medications.

(5) Psychosocial needs of the elderly.

(6) Dementia care, including the use and misuse of antipsychotics, the interaction of drugs commonly used by the elderly, and the adverse effects of psychotropic drugs for use in controlling the behavior of persons with dementia.

(7) The special needs of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, including nonpharmacologic, person-centered approaches to dementia care.

(8) Cultural competency and sensitivity in issues relating to the underserved, aging, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

(d) This section shall not apply to certified nurse assistants, certified pursuant to Article 9 (commencing with Section 1337) of Chapter 2, licensed vocational nurses, licensed pursuant to Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 2840) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, and registered nurses, licensed pursuant to Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 2700) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, except both of the following shall apply:

(1) A licensed or certified health professional with valid certification shall receive eight hours of training on resident characteristics, resident records, and facility practices and procedures prior to providing direct care to residents.

(2) In addition to paragraph (1), a certified nurse assistant shall also receive the 12 hours of dementia care training specified in Section 1569.626 and the annual training specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b).

(e) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2016.

SEC. 4.5.  

Section 1569.625 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:

1569.625.  

(a) The Legislature finds that the quality of services provided to residents of residential care facilities for the elderly is dependent upon the training and skills of staff. It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to ensure that direct-care staff have the knowledge and proficiency to carry out the tasks of their jobs.

(b) (1) The department shall adopt regulations to require staff members of residential care facilities for the elderly who assist residents with personal activities of daily living to receive appropriate training. This training shall consist of 40 hours of training. A staff member shall complete 20 hours, including six hours specific to dementia care, as required by subdivision (a) of Section 1569.626 and four hours specific to postural supports, restricted health conditions, and hospice care, as required by subdivision (a) of Section 1569.696, before working independently with residents. The remaining 20 hours shall include six hours specific to dementia care and shall be completed within the first four weeks of employment. The training coursework may utilize various methods of instruction, including, but not limited to, lectures, instructional videos, and interactive online courses. The additional 16 hours shall be hands-on training.

(2) In addition to paragraph (1), training requirements shall also include an additional 20 hours annually, eight hours of which shall be dementia care training, as required by subdivision (a) of Section 1569.626, and four hours of which shall be specific to postural supports, restricted health conditions, and hospice care, as required by subdivision (a) of Section 1569.696. This training shall be administered on the job, or in a classroom setting, or both, and may include online training.

(3) The department shall establish, in consultation with provider organizations, the subject matter required for the training required by this section.

(c) The training shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(1) Physical limitations and needs of the elderly.

(2) Importance and techniques for personal care services.

(3) Residents’ rights.

(4) Policies and procedures regarding medications.

(5) Psychosocial needs of the elderly.

(6) Building and fire safety and the appropriate response to emergencies.

(7) Dementia care, including the use and misuse of antipsychotics, the interaction of drugs commonly used by the elderly, and the adverse effects of psychotropic drugs for use in controlling the behavior of persons with dementia.

(8) The special needs of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, including nonpharmacologic, person-centered approaches to dementia care.

(9) Cultural competency and sensitivity in issues relating to the underserved, aging, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

(d) This section shall not apply to certified nurse assistants, certified pursuant to Article 9 (commencing with Section 1337) of Chapter 2, licensed vocational nurses, licensed pursuant to Chapter 6.5 (commencing with Section 2840) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, and registered nurses, licensed pursuant to Chapter 6 (commencing with Section 2700) of Division 2 of the Business and Professions Code, except both of the following shall apply:

(1) A licensed or certified health professional with valid certification shall receive eight hours of training on resident characteristics, resident records, and facility practices and procedures prior to providing direct care to residents.

(2) In addition to paragraph (1), a certified nurse assistant shall also receive the 12 hours of dementia care training specified in Section 1569.626 and the annual training specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b).

(e) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2016.

SEC. 5.  

Section 1569.626 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read:

1569.626.  

(a) All residential care facilities for the elderly that advertise or promote special care, special programming, or a special environment for persons with dementia, in addition to complying with the training requirements described in Section 1569.625, shall meet the following training requirements for all direct care staff:

(1) Six hours of resident care orientation within the first four weeks of employment. All six hours shall be devoted to the care of persons with dementia. The facility may utilize various methods of instruction, including, but not limited to, preceptorship, mentoring, and other forms of observation and demonstration. The orientation time shall be exclusive of any administrative instruction.

(2) Eight hours of in-service training per year on the subject of serving residents with dementia. This training shall be developed in consultation with individuals or organizations with specific expertise in dementia care or by an outside source with expertise in dementia care. In formulating and providing this training, reference may be made to written materials and literature on dementia and the care and treatment of persons with dementia. This training requirement may be satisfied in one day or over a period of time. This training requirement may be provided at the facility or offsite and may include a combination of observation and practical application.

(b) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2016, and as of that date is repealed, unless a later enacted statute, that is enacted before January 1, 2016, deletes or extends that date.

SEC. 6.  

Section 1569.626 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read:

1569.626.  

(a) All residential care facilities for the elderly shall meet the following training requirements, as described in Section 1569.625, for all direct care staff:

(1) Twelve hours of dementia care training, six of which shall be completed before a staff member begins working independently with residents, and the remaining six hours of which shall be completed within the first four weeks of employment. All 12 hours shall be devoted to the care of persons with dementia. The facility may utilize various methods of instruction, including, but not limited to, preceptorship, mentoring, and other forms of observation and demonstration. The orientation time shall be exclusive of any administrative instruction.

(2) Eight hours of in-service training per year on the subject of serving residents with dementia. This training shall be developed in consultation with individuals or organizations with specific expertise in dementia care or by an outside source with expertise in dementia care. In formulating and providing this training, reference may be made to written materials and literature on dementia and the care and treatment of persons with dementia. This training requirement may be satisfied in one day or over a period of time. This training requirement may be provided at the facility or offsite and may include a combination of observation and practical application.

(b) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2016.

SEC. 7.  

Sections 3.5 and 4.5 of this bill incorporate amendments to Section 1569.625 of the Health and Safety Code proposed by both this bill and Assembly Bill 2044. They shall only become operative if (1) both bills are enacted and become effective on or before January 1, 2015, (2) each bill amends Section 1569.625 of the Health and Safety Code, and (3) this bill is enacted after Assembly Bill 2044, in which case Sections 3 and 4 of this bill shall not become operative.

SEC. 8.  

No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.

SEC. 9.  

This act shall become operative only if Senate Bill 911 is enacted and takes effect on or before January 1, 2015.



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