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Federal and State Requirements

Dementia Training Requirements

MedBridge has a number of compliance courses covering dementia topics that can be taken to meet organizational training requirements. Our course offerings range from 15-minute overviews to more in-depth courses featuring Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA, one of the leading educators on dementia in the US. We also have a few courses specifically designed to meet dementia training requirements in Florida, which can be leveraged to meet training requirements in other states as well.

Below are crosswalks of federal and state training requirements alongside recommended MedBridge courses.* After that you’ll find a full list of the dementia courses in our compliance catalog.

Federal Requirements (All States)
Long Term Care / Skilled Nursing Facility
Training Topic Audience Length / Timing MedBridge Course (Compliance) Course Length Regulation
Dementia management and resident abuse prevention All staff Per facility assessment

Orientation:

Residential Care Training for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders

In-service:

Dementia Care Basics: Ensuring the Safety and Wellbeing of Dementia Patients

4 hrs (Orientation) OR 

30 min (In-service)

 42 CFR 483.95(c)(3)
Dementia management Nurse aides Annual (included in 12 hr in-service)  Dementia Care Basics series (5 courses) 1hr 50 min (total) 42 CFR 483.95(g)
Care of the cognitively impaired Nurse aides providing services to the cognitively impaired Annual (included in 12 hr inservice Select from: Dementia Care series (8 courses) ~1 hr (per course) 42 CFR 483.95(g)
State Requirements
Colorado
Long Term Care / Skilled Nursing Facility
Training Topic Audience Length / Timing MedBridge Course  Course Length Regulation
Care of residents with dementia All staff Annual in-service Select from: Dementia Care series ~1 hr (per course) 6 CCR 1011-1 Chapter 5 6.3(D)
Delaware
Long Term Care / Skilled Nursing Facility
Training Topic Audience Length / Timing MedBridge Course  Course Length Regulation
Communicating with persons diagnosed as having Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia; the psychological, social, and physical needs of those persons; and safety measures which need to be taken with those persons. Healthcare providers who must participate in continuing education programs Annual in-service Residential Care Training for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders 4 hrs 16 DE Admin. Code 3201(5.6) 
Home Health
Communicating with persons diagnosed as having Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia; the psychological, social, and physical needs of those persons; and safety measures which need to be taken with those persons. All employees/contractors providing direct patient care Annual in-service Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders for Home Health Providers 2.5 hrs 16 DE Admin. Code 4410 (5.7.12)
Florida
Long Term Care / Skilled Nursing Facility
Training Topic Audience Length / Timing MedBridge Course  Course Length Regulation
An overview of dementias and must provide basic skills in communicating with persons with dementia All staff who has direct contact with patients with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder 1 hr in the first 3 months of employment Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders for Residential Care Providers 1.5 hrs 400.1755(2)
Managing problem behaviors, promoting the resident’s independence in activities of daily living, and skills in working with families and caregivers. Direct caregivers Additional 3 hrs within 9 months of employment Residential Care Training for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders 4 hrs 400.1755(3)
Home Health
An overview of dementia, a demonstration of basic skills in communicating with persons who have dementia, the management of problem behaviors, information about promoting the client’s independence in activities of daily living, and instruction in skills for working with families and caregivers. Staff providing direct care to patients 2 hrs within 9 months of employment Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders for Home Health Providers 2.5 hrs 400.4785(1)(b)
Hospice
An overview of dementias and must provide basic skills in communicating with persons with dementia All staff who has direct contact with patients with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder 1 hr in the first 3 months of employment Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders for Residential Care Providers 1.5 hrs 400.6045(1)(b)
Managing problem behaviors, promoting the resident’s independence in activities of daily living, and skills in working with families and caregivers. Direct caregivers Additional 3 hrs within 9 months of employment Residential Care Training for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders 4 hrs 400.6045(1)(c)
Illinois
All Settings
Training Topic Audience Length / Timing MedBridge Course  Course Length Regulation

1) Understanding dementia (e.g., hoarding, paranoia, hallucinations, and Sundown syndrome);

2) Effectively communicating with individuals with dementia;

3) Assisting individuals with dementia in performing activities of daily living;

4) Problem solving with individuals with dementia who exhibit challenging behavior (e.g., aggressive and catastrophic behaviors);

5) Fundamentals of dementia care;

6) Safe environments (e.g., wandering);

7) Managing the activities of individuals with dementia.

 Staff with direct access to clients with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia 6 hrs in the first 60 days of employment 6 hrs 77 ICLS 973.140(e)
Effectively communicating with individuals with dementia. Staff with direct access to clients with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia Included in 3 hrs of advanced training provided annually
Dementia Care: Communicating When Someone has Dementia 		1 hr 77 ICLS 973.140(f)(4)
Louisiana
Long Term Care / Skilled Nursing Facility
Training Topic Audience Length / Timing MedBridge Course  Course Length Regulation
Overview of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, communicating with persons with dementia, behavior management, promoting independence in activities of daily living, and understanding and dealing with family issues. Nurses and nursing assistants working in Alzheimer’s special care units 8 hrs within 90 days of employment; 5 hrs annually 8 hrs RS 40:2200.2(B)(1)
Overview of dementias and communicating with persons with dementia. Non-nursing staff with regular communicative contact in Alzheimer’s special care units 4 hrs within 90 days of employment; 1 hr annually 4 hrs RS 40:2200.2(B)(2)
Overview of dementias and communicating with persons with dementia. Nursing assistants working outside of Alzheimer’s special care units 4 hrs within 90 days of employment; 2 hr annually 4 hrs RS 40:2200.2(C)
Overview of dementias and communicating with persons with dementia. Non-licensed employees working outside of Alzheimer’s special care units who are NOT nursing assistants.  4 hrs within 90 days of employment; 1 hr annually 4 hrs RS 40:2200.2(C)
Missouri
Long Term Care / Residential Care Facility
Training Topic Audience Length / Timing MedBridge Course  Course Length Regulation
Overview of mentally confused residents such as those having Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, communicating with persons with dementia, behavior management, promoting independence in activities of daily living, and understanding and dealing with family issues Employees providing direct care to people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias 3 hours prior to or on first day of employment Residential Care Training for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders 4 hrs 19 CSR 30-86.042 (20)
Overview of mentally confused residents such as those having dementias as well as communicating with persons with dementia Employees who do not provide direct care for, but may have daily contact with people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias 1 hour prior to or on first day of employment Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders for Residential Care Providers 1.5 hrs 19 CSR 30-86.042 (20)
Home Health

A. An overview of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias;

B. Communicating with persons with dementia;

C. Behavior management;

D. Promoting independence in activities of daily living; 

E. Understanding and dealing with family issues.

 All employees/contractors providing direct patient care Orientation and annual in-service Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders for Home Health Providers 2.5 hrs 19 CSR 30-26.010 (B)

A. An overview of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; and

B. Communicating with persons with dementia.

 Employees/contractors that do NOT provide direct patient care but may have daily patient contact Annual in-service Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders for Residential Care Providers 1.5 hrs 19 CSR 30-26.010 (B)
Hospice

I. An overview of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias;

II. Communicating with persons with dementia;

III. Behavior management;

IV. Promoting independence in activities of daily living;

V. Understanding and dealing with family issues.

 All employees/contractors providing direct patient care Orientation and annual in-service Residential Care Training for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders 4 hrs

19 CSR 30-35.010(2)

(M)1.B.(XIII)

A. An overview of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias; and

B. Communicating with persons with dementia.

 Employees/contractors that do NOT provide direct patient care but may have daily patient contact Annual in-service Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders for Residential Care Providers 1.5 hrs

19 CSR 30-35.010(2)

(M)1.B.(XIII)
New Hampshire
Long Term Care / Residential Care Facility
Training Topic Audience Length / Timing MedBridge Course  Course Length Regulation

(a) Alzheimer's disease and dementia;

(b) Person-centered care;

(c) Assessment and care planning;

(d) Activities of daily living; and

(e) Dementia related behaviors and communication.

 Direct service and administrative staff members 6 hrs in the first 90 days of employment  6 hrs RSA 151:48

New information on best practices in the treatment and care of persons with dementia

 Direct service and administrative staff members 4 hrs annually Select from: Dementia Care Series ~1 hr (per course) RSA 151:48
Communication issues related to dementia Staff members who has incidental contact on a recurring basis with residents or program participants Initial training in first 90 days of employment Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders for Residential Care Providers 1.5 hrs RSA 151:48
New Jersey
Long Term Care / Skilled Nursing Facility
Training Topic Audience Length / Timing MedBridge Course  Course Length Regulation
The causes and progression of dementias, the care and management of residents with dementias, and communication with dementia residents. All staff in Alzheimer’s/dementia programs Initial and ongoing training Residential Care Training for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders 4 hrs N.J.A.C. 8:39-46.2
South Carolina
Hospice
Training Topic Audience Length / Timing MedBridge Course  Course Length Regulation
Care of persons with dementia Staff members and direct care volunteers working with individuals with dementia Annual in-service Select from: Dementia Care series ~1 hr (per course) 61-78 (605)(2)
Tennessee
Long Term Care / Skilled Nursing Facility
Training Topic Audience Length / Timing MedBridge Course  Course Length Regulation

1. Basic facts about the causes, progression and management of Alzheimer’s

Disease and related disorders;

2. Dealing with dysfunctional behavior and catastrophic reactions in the residents;

3. Identifying and alleviating safety risks to the resident;

4. Providing assistance in the activities of daily living for the resident; and,

5. Communicating with families and other persons interested in the resident.

 All staff working in secured units Annual in-service Residential Care Training for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders 4 hrs 0720-18-.05 (5)(h)
Hospice (Residential)
Training Topic Audience Length / Timing MedBridge Course  Course Length Regulation

1. Basic facts about the causes, progression and management of Alzheimer’s

Disease and related disorders;

2. Dealing with dysfunctional behavior and catastrophic reactions in the residents;

3. Identifying and alleviating safety risks to the resident;

4. Providing assistance in the activities of daily living for the resident; and,

5. Communicating with families and other persons interested in the resident.

 All staff working in secured units Annual in-service Residential Care Training for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders 4 hrs 0720-23-.05 (17)(h)
Texas
Long Term Care / Skilled Nursing Facility
Training Topic Audience Length / Timing MedBridge Course  Course Length Regulation
Dementia management and resident abuse prevention All staff  Orientation and annual in-service Dementia Care Basics: Ensuring the Safety and Wellbeing of Dementia Patients 30 min 26 TAC 554.1929 (1)(E)
Caring for people who have dementia Nurses and nurse aides/assistants 1 hr annual in-service Select from: Dementia Care series ~1 hr (per course) 26 TAC 554.1929 (2)
Virginia
Long Term Care / Skilled Nursing Facility
Training Topic Audience Length / Timing MedBridge Course  Course Length Regulation
Care of the cognitively impaired All resident care staff staff Annual in-service Select from: Dementia Care series ~1 hr (per course) 12VAC5-371-260 (B)(9)
Washington
Long Term Care / Skilled Nursing Facility
Training Topic Audience Length / Timing MedBridge Course  Course Length Regulation
The special needs and care approaches applicable to residents with dementia All resident care staff staff Ongoing training Select from: Dementia Care series ~1 hr (per course) WAC 388-97-1040 (1)(c)

*Note that these crosswalks focus on organizational-level training requirements in long term care, home health, and hospice settings for which MedBridge has an identified solution, and they are not all-inclusive. Information on individual-level state licensure requirements with course recommendations can be found in our Help Center under the Licensure Requirements tab.

Dementia Courses in Our Compliance Catalog

Please visit our full course catalog to find more courses on dementia to serve your CE needs. 

For general dementia training knowledge track recommendations per setting, please visit the following articles in the help center.

Disclaimer: The information listed here is as accurate as possible at the time of publication. This information is reviewed periodically/annually, but it is possible that errors exist or the current license requirements have changed. We encourage corrections and comments, and will make modifications accordingly. Neither the author, MedBridge, nor any other individual or institution, except the person renewing their license, is responsible or liable for any consequences of its use. You are encouraged to read your state licensure requirements from the primary source, e.g., your state’s website.

Article published: June 6, 2023

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