Re: I Want to Start a CNA School in Atlanta
Hello
Q#1: 1.
What types of training programs are approved in the State of Georgia?
Approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Programs are conducted in High Schools, Technical Colleges, Nursing Homes and Private Post Secondary Schools.
Top
2.
What general guidelines are required for Approved Nurse Aide Training Programs?
Each program must be a minimum of 85 hours in length. This includes classroom/laboratory plus clinical experience in a long-term care facility.
Top
3.
Are there any special requirements for programs conducted by a nursing home facility?
Yes, the training of nurse aide students by a long-term care facility must be completed and certification obtained within four months (120 days) from the time the training was commenced.
Also, long term care facilities cannot charge a student nurse aide for any costs incurred during the training period, e.g. tuition, books, etc. Training cannot be conducted, nor can any other nurse aide training program permit clinical training if the facility is on ban. The term "ban" as applied to a facility indicates survey sanctions which may have included substandard care violation(s), as well as being assessed a civil money penalty of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more. (Other sanctions may be included as well).
Approved instructors in a facility-based training program cannot test their own students for Certification. A state approved tester conducts testing. The list of State Approved Test Sites can be printed from the GHP website or obtained by calling the NAP.
Top
4.
What is the required content to be taught in a State Approved Nurse Aide Training Program?
The Federal Regulations for Nurse Aide Training, established by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA) require the following content to be taught in a Nurse Aide Training Program:
PART I At least a total of 16 hours of training in the following areas prior to any direct contact with a resident
A. Communication and Interpersonal Skills
B. Infection Control
C. Safety/Emergency Procedures, including the Heimlich maneuver
D. Promoting Residents' Independence
E. Respecting Residents' Rights
PART II Basic Nursing Skills
A. Taking and Recording Vital Signs
B. Measuring and Recording Height and Weight
C. Caring for the Residents' Environment
D. Recognizing abnormal changes in body functioning and the importance of reporting such changes to a supervisor
E. Caring for residents when death is imminent
PART III Personal Care Skills, including but not limited to
A. Bathing
B. Grooming, including mouth care
C. Dressing
D. Toileting
E. Assisting with eating and hydration
F. Proper feeding techniques
G. Skin Care
H. Transfers, Positioning, and Turning
PART IV Mental Health and Social Service Needs
A. Modifying aide's behavior in response to residents' behavior
B. Awareness of developmental tasks associated with the aging process
C. How to respond to resident behavior
D. Allowing the resident to make personal choices, providing and reinforcing the resident's dignity.
PART V Care of Cognitively Impaired Residents
A. Techniques for addressing the unique needs and behaviors of individual with dementia (Alzheimer's and others)
B. Communicating with cognitively impaired residents
C. Understanding the behavior of cognitively impaired residents
D. Methods of reducing the effects of cognitive impairments
PART VI Basic Restorative Services
A. Training the resident in self care according to the resident's abilities
B. Use of assist devices in transferring, ambulation, eating, and dressing
C. Maintenance of range of motion
D. Proper turning and positioning in bed and chair
E. Bowel and bladder training
F. Care and use of prosthetic and orthotic devices
PART VII Residents Rights
A. Providing privacy and maintenance of confidentiality
B. Promoting the residents' right to make personal choices to accommodate their needs
C. Giving assistance in resolving grievances and disputes
D. Providing needed assistance in getting to and participating in resident and family groups and other activities
E. Maintaining care and security of residents' personal possessions
F. Promoting the resident's right to be free from abuse, mistreatment, and neglect and the need to report any instances of such treatment to appropriate facility staff
G. Avoiding the need for restraints in accordance with current professional standards
Reference: Federal Register/Vol. 56, No.187, Subpart D, Sec. 483.152, (b), (1-7).
Top
5.
What are the requirements for instructors who teach in State Approved Nurse Aide Training Programs?
Each approved training program requires a Program Coordinator and Instructor(s). These individuals must be licensed nurses. Requirements and responsibilities of these individuals can be obtained from the Georgia Medical Care Foundation and are included in the Application for Approval of a
State Approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program Form.
The form can be completed on the GHP website or requested by calling the NAP. One aspect for instructor approval requires that the licensed nurse attend a Train-the-Trainer Workshop. The day and a half workshop covers the required Federal and State Regulations for CNA training and competency evaluation as well as providing knowledge about the principles of adult learning and education.
Top
6.
Once a Nurse Aide Training Program is approved, are there any additional requirements?
Yes, each program participates in a yearly on-site visit by a Registered Nurse. A review of training record files is conducted at this time to ensure that Federal and State Regulations for conducting a training program are maintained in accordance with the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA) . This federal legislation outlines the requirements for mandated nurse aide training programs.
Programs are required to apply for re-approval of their Nurse Aide Training Programs (NATP's) every two years. An Application for Re-Approval of a Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program can be completed on the GHP website or requested by calling the NAP.
Top
7.
Where do I call to report allegations of fraud and abuse or misappropriation of funds?
If you wish to speak with staff and register a complaint against a nursing home, personal care home or hospital, please contact the Department of Human Resources, Office of Regulatory Services at (404) 657-5726 or (404) 657-5728 or toll free at (800) 878-6442.
If you wish to register a complaint against a home health agency please contact the Department of Human Resources, Office of Regulatory Services at (404) 657-5727 or toll free at (800) 326-0291
Top8.
Where may I obtain further information related to certification, eligibility, training, train-the-trainer, or other questions?
To obtain further information please call (678) 527-3010 (local) or (800) 414-4358.
Nursing News