New Minimum Alzheimer’s Training Requirements for Kentucky Home Health, Personal Service Agencies

​In March, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signed a bill (S.B. 61) setting minimum training requirements for direct care staff members that are employed by facilities or programs regulated by the cabinet that provide services to individuals who exhibit symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias in the populations they serve. Facilities or programs must ensure that all direct care staff have completed cabinet-approved culturally competent and person-centered training before providing care to Alzheimer’s clients. The Office of Dementia Services in the Department for Aging and Independent Living has been designated to review and approve all provider agencies' dementia training curriculums.

All current direct care staff who provide this care must have completed at least six hours of initial training followed by three hours of annual training by May 11, 2022. After May 11, all new direct care staff must complete the initial six-hour dementia care training before providing services to clients. Trainings that were in place before July 15, 2021, can continue to be utilized until officially approved by DAIL or determined not to meet the criteria.
 
This initial training curriculum shall include but is not limited to the following topics per KRS 216.713 and KRS 216.9375: Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, Person-Centered Care, Assessment & Care Planning, Activities of Daily Living, and Dementia-Related Behaviors and Communications.
 
To request a curriculum review application or a list of pre-approved training, contact Jennifer Craig at Jennifer.craig@ky.gov. HCAOA is also working to develop curriculum options for providers. Stay tuned for additional information.