In a previous blog, ARRM shared information from DHS regarding the training requirements for staff working in homes with a mental health certification. At that time DHS had indicated that they would not be implementing the revised statute standards because there was not yet an "approved curriculum".
AFC/CRS licensors have now been given new information. Effective immediately, license holders may implement the following section of Minnesota Statues 245A.03, subd. 6a (c):
“Staff must receive three hours of training in the areas specified in the paragraph (b), clause (1), items (i) and (ii), prior to working alone with residents. The remaining hours of mandatory training, including a review of the information in paragraph (b), clause (1), item (ii), must be completed within six months of the hire date. For programs licensed under chapter 245D, training under this section may be incorporated into the 30 ours of staff orientation required under section 245D.09, subdivision 4.”
Licensors have access to a revised form that reflects these changes.
Providers may continue to use their current training materials. Providers are encouraged to add the training on suicide intervention, identifying warning signs of suicide, and appropriate responses to their training. These are requirements in the revised statute. Licensors have been instructed that until there is an official approved curriculum they should not monitor or cite for this specific area.
Providers may continue to follow current practice regarding who does the training, but should be aware that once they curriculum is approved the revised statute regarding this will be enforced.
Although we are not sure what went in to making this change, we do know that at least one ARRM member challenged a correction order on this training issue.
Contact Barb Turner bturner@arrm.org with questions.
--Barb Turner, COO