Wisconsin proposed S.B. 470, which will create a Dementia Specialist Certification program for nurse aides and other care providers who coordinate resident activities. The program would include instruction and competency evaluation.
Section146.43 calls out the following requirements for dementia specialist certification:
- (1) ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTIFICATION. The department shall certify as a dementia specialist any of the following persons who successfully complete an instructional program under sub. (4);
- (2) RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATE. A certificate as a dementia specialist under sub. (1) is valid for 24 months from the date the certificate is issued by the department. A person who is certified as a dementia specialist may renew the certificate by providing proof to the department of completion, every 24 months, of 4 hours of continuing education, as defined by the department by rule.
- (3) PROGRAM CURRICULUM. (a) The department shall promulgate rules establishing standards for the curriculum of an instructional program that shall include instruction in all of the following:
1. Understanding the signs and symptoms of the various forms of dementia and the possible
variations in care needs among individuals affected by the various forms of dementia.
2. How to approach, observe, listen to, and communicate with, an individual with dementia.
3. Recognizing pain in an individual with dementia.
4. Skills and techniques for encouraging purposeful activities to provide holistic care intended to
promote optimal life experiences for persons with dementia.
5. Understanding the needs of an individual with dementia, how to develop a trusting relationship
within the challenges of the effects of dementia, and how to avoid and manage behaviors that
may be harmful to the individual or others.
6. Communication skills necessary to communicate with coworkers, professionals, and families
regarding individuals with dementia.
7. Skills necessary to effectively advocate for the needs and interests of persons with dementia.
8. Developing care plans to assist individuals with dementia in experiencing the highest possible
quality of life.
9. Techniques for effective problem solving.
- (4) INSTRUCTION PROGRAM APPROVAL.
(a) The department shall approve instructional programs for dementia specialists that apply for
approval and that satisfy the standards promulgated by rule under sub. (3).
(b) The department shall review the curriculum of each approved instructional program at least
every 24 months following the date of approval to determine whether the program continues to
satisfy the standards for approval.
Click here for more information about Wisconsin S.B. 470.
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