Library: Policy

340:100-3-38.12. Training requirements for direct support staff providing respite, homemaker, or homemaker respite services

Revised 9-15-17

(a) Applicability.Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340:100-3-38.12 sets forth training requirements for staff, volunteers, and direct supervisors providing only respite, homemaker, or homemaker respite services through the Community Waiver, an In-Home Supports Waiver (IHSW), or Homeward Bound Waiver in the family's or service recipient's home or in any community setting as specified per the service recipient's Individual Plan (Plan).

(1) When Form 06IS037E, In-Home Supports Waiver - Certificate of Competency, is in place for IHSW participants per OAC 340:100-3-38.5, staff does not have to meet this Section's requirements.

(2) Direct support staff providing services beyond respite, homemaker, or homemaker respite services completes training appropriate to staff jobs per OAC 340:100-3-38.

(b) New employee training.No later than 30-calendar days following the hire date, staff providing direct supports or supervising the delivery of direct supports at any level must complete the online or first available Developmental Disabilities Services (DDS)-approved foundation training course and effective teaching course.The first available class is the first unfilled class held within 60 miles of the staff's work location following the staff's hire date.

(c) First aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).Direct support staff must be currently certified in an approved course of first aid and CPR before providing services alone or with other untrained staff.

(1) First aid and CPR certification of each staff must occur within 90-calendar days following the staff's hire date.

(2) The service recipient's Personal Support Team (Team) may determine, based on the service recipient's needs, that staff must receive first aid and CPR certification in less than 90-calendar days.

(d) Medication administration training.Staff must be certified in an approved medication administration course per OAC 340:100-3-38.10 before administering medication to a service recipient or assisting with a service recipient's medication support plan.

(e) Individual-specific in-service training.Individual-specific in-service training is identified for direct support staff in the service recipient's Individual Plan (Plan).

(1) Training requirements are based on the service recipient's identified needs through team discussion and review of available assessment information.

(2) A service recipient's Team specifies required time frames for individual-specific in-service training completion.When time frames are not identified in the Plan, required individual-specific in-service training must be completed before working with the service recipient.

(3) As the service recipient's needs require changes in supports or programs, the Team documents in the Plan or in addenda to the Plan, any new or additional in‑service training required, with completion time frames.

(4) Individual-specific training is provided by the person or persons designated by the Team and identified by position in the Plan, per rules, statute, and professional practice regulations, when applicable.

(5) The responsible Team member verifies staff has knowledge and skills necessary to provide the identified services.Videos may be used when approved by the Team.

(f) Ongoing training.Direct support staff employed by provider agencies completes eight hours of approved annual training.

(1) Annual training may come from:

(A) required re-certification classes in first aid, CPR, and medication administration training;

(B) courses per OAC 340:100-3-38(b)(1);

(C) courses, conferences, or workshops approved by the DDS human resource development director;

(D) individual-specific training; or

(E) agency-specific in-services.

(2) Direct support staff may challenge or test out of required annual recertification when an approved option is available.Training completion hours are granted equal to the number of hours for the standard recertification class.

(g) Exceptions.Exceptions to training requirements per this Section may be made by the DDS director or designee.