Staff orientation and training | NM

Staff orientation and training

Perhaps one of the most common deficiencies seen during the survey of an assisted living facility is the failure to train (or keep record of training) employees along with properly documenting the paperwork required to be employed in the facility. Ironically, effectively training your staff is one of the most crucial aspects of how your facility will operate.  Check out the regulation below, provided by the New Mexico Department of Health for how to ensure your employee training will satisfy the requirements of the state:

7.8.2.17                 STAFF TRAINING:

  1. Training and orientation for each new employee and volunteer that provides direct care shall include a minimum of sixteen (16) hours of supervised training prior to providing unsupervised care for residents.
  2. Documentation of orientation and subsequent trainings shall be kept in the personnel file at the facility.
  3. Training shall be provided at orientation and at least twelve (12) hours annually, the orientation, training and proof of competency shall include:

(1)           fire safety and evacuation training;

(2)           first aid;

(3)           safe food handling practices (for persons involved in food preparation), to include:

(a)           instructions in proper storage;

(b)           preparation and serving of food;

(c)           safety in food handling;

(d)           appropriate personal hygiene; and

(e)           infectious and communicable disease control;

(4)           confidentiality of records and resident information;

(5)           infection control;

(6)           resident rights;

(7)           reporting requirements for abuse, neglect, or exploitation in accordance with 7.1.13 NMAC;

(8)           smoking policy for staff, residents, and visitors;

(9)           methods to provide quality resident care;

(10)         emergency procedures;

(11)         medication assistance, including the certificate of training for staff that assist with medication delivery; and

(12)         the proper way to implement a resident ISP for staff that assists with ISPs.

  1. If a facility provides transportation to residents, employees of the facility who drive vehicles and transport residents shall have training in transportation safety for the elderly and disabled, including safe vehicle operation.

[7.8.2.17 NMAC – Rp, 7.8.2.17 NMAC, 1/15/2010]

 

Top Takeaway:

  • Training and orientation for each new employee and volunteer that provides direct care shall include a minimum of sixteen (16) hours of supervised training prior to providing unsupervised care for residents.

Orienting staff is not just a factor in the training and retention of staff, it is required by the EOEA. The orientation process shall be conducted prior to the employee beginning active employment. This process should also encompass the policies and procedures of your facility to ensure the success of your staff and meet the requirements of this regulation.

 

Pro Tip:

  • Ensure you have a process in order for orientation and all aspects of ongoing training for your staff. There should be a checklist in the employee file for each necessary item to be included in the staff file.