H. B. 2649
(By Delegates Perdue, Susman, Wells and Hall)
[Introduced February 24, 2005; referred to the
Committee on Health and Human Resources then the Judiciary.]
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by
adding thereto a new section, designated §16-5R-6, relating to
training requirements for providers in health facilities on
the subject of Alzheimer's.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
That the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, be amended
by adding thereto a new section, designated §16-5R-6, to read
as follows:
ARTICLE 5R. THE ALZHEIMER'S SPECIAL CARE STANDARDS ACT.
§16-5R-6. Quality Alzheimer's and dementia care training required.
(a) Any facility providing services to residents in a care
facility under the supervision of the licensed operator, including
adult day care facilities, nursing homes, assisted living
residences and residential care communities, shall provide training
to all staff, employees and contractors on Alzheimer's disease and related dementia.
(b) Training shall include a basic understanding of
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias; communication approaches
and techniques for use when interacting with persons with
Alzheimer's disease and related dementia, prevention and management
of behaviors common in persons with Alzheimer's or a related
dementia, and activities and programming appropriate for these
residents.
(c) Training curriculum shall include, at a minimum:
(1) Informational packets presented to and reviewed with
staff, employees and contractors upon their starting to work at a
facility; and
(2) Two hours per year of Alzheimer's disease and related
dementia training as part of staff continuing education
requirements.
Note: The purpose of this bill is to require basic training
in Alzheimer's and dementia in certain health care facilities.
§16-5R-6 is new; therefore, strike-throughs and underscoring
have been omitted.