Library: Policy

340:100-3-38.4. Training requirements for persons providing specialized foster care

Revised 9-15-17

(a) Applicability.Oklahoma Administrative Code (OAC) 340:100-3-38.4 sets forth training requirements for persons providing specialized foster care (SFC).

(b) Initial training.Prior to the contractual agreement with the Oklahoma Health Care Authority (OHCA), SFC providers must complete the:

(1) 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 SFC provider's work location; and

(2) SFC orientation training as approved by the DDS director of human resource development.

(c) First aid and cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).Prior to the contractual agreement with OHCA, SFC providers must be certified in an approved course of first aid and CPR.

(d) Medication administration training.Prior to the contractual agreement with OHCA, SFC providers must be certified in an approved medication administration course per OAC 340:100-3-38.10.

(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 completion time frames of individual-specific in-service training.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, in accordance with rule, 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) Job-specific training.SFC providers working in both residential and employment or other settings must meet the job-specific training requirements of both jobs.The SFC provider must complete:

(1) within 90-calendar days after receipt of the approved OHCA contractual agreement:

(A) Health course;

(B) Ethical and Legal Issues course; and

(2) within six months after receipt of the approved OHCA contractual agreement:

(A) Communication course;

(B) Skill Building course;

(C) Connections course; and

(D) Nuts and Bolts course.

(g) Specialized training.Additional specialized training courses may be required for SFC providers working with service recipients who have significant health, physical, or behavior support issues.

(1) Staff supporting a service recipient with a protective intervention protocol (PIP) that includes non-restrictive intervention techniques must be trained on these techniques before use.

(2) Completion of an approved behavior support course is required for SFC providers supporting a service recipient with a PIP that:

(A) addresses challenging behavior that places the service recipient's physical safety, environment, relationships, or community participation at serious risk; and

(B) contains one or more of these procedures:

(i) physical guidance to overcome resistance;

(ii) physical guidance to move to safety; or

(iii) physical hold to restrict movement.

(3) The SFC provider must complete the approved:

(A) behavior support course before working alone or with other untrained staff, but no later than 60-calendar days after starting work with the service recipient; and

(B) physical management course before using any technique of physical management identified in a PIP.

(i) The SFC provider implements the positive components of the Plan, as well as non-intrusive procedures to assist the person during a crisis.

(ii) The PIP must be reviewed and approved by the Statewide Human Rights and Behavior Review Committee.

(iii) Training in physical management procedures occurs only within the requirements of this subsection.

(iv) Only SFC providers who provide support to the service recipient are trained on use of a physical management procedure.

(v) The SFC provider formally trained to use physical management procedures does not use those techniques with other service recipients, except in emergencies per OAC 340:100-5-57.

(vi) Training curricula regarding behavior support are approved by the DDS human resource development and behavioral supports director.

(4) Training regarding physical management procedures must be obtained from trainers approved by the DDS human resource development director.

(5) The SFC provider must complete an annual retraining on the physical management or physical restraint procedures in the approved PIP.

(h) Ongoing training.All SFC providers complete 12 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) Oklahoma Department of Human Services 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.

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