Section 388-112-0016. What content must be included in long-term care worker orientation?

(1) For those individuals identified in WAC 388-112-0015(1) who must compete long-term care worker orientation training:

(a) Long-term care worker orientation may include the use of videotapes, audiotapes, and other media if the person overseeing the orientation is available to answer questions or concerns for the person(s) receiving the orientation. Orientation must include introductory information in the following areas:

(i) The care setting;

(ii) The characteristics and special needs of the population served;

(iii) Fire and life safety, including:

(A) Emergency communication (including phone system if one exists);

(B) Evacuation planning (including fire alarms and fire extinguishers where they exist);

(C) Ways to handle resident injuries and falls or other accidents;

(D) Potential risks to residents or staff (for instance, aggressive resident behaviors and how to handle them); and

(E) The location of home policies and procedures.

(iv) Communication skills and information, including:

(A) Methods for supporting effective communication among the resident/guardian, staff, and family members;

(B) Use of verbal and nonverbal communication;

(C) Review of written communications and/or documentation required for the job, including the resident's service plan;

(D) Expectations about communication with other home staff; and

(E) Whom to contact about problems and concerns.

(v) Universal precautions and infection control, including:

(A) Proper hand washing techniques;

(B) Protection from exposure to blood and other body fluids;

(C) Appropriate disposal of contaminated/hazardous articles;

(D) Reporting exposure to contaminated articles, blood, or other body fluids; and

(E) What staff should do if they are ill.

(vi) Resident rights, including:

(A) The resident's right to confidentiality of information about the resident;

(B) The resident's right to participate in making decisions about the resident's care, and to refuse care;

(C) Staff's duty to protect and promote the rights of each resident, and assist the resident to exercise his or her rights;

(D) How and to whom staff should report any concerns they may have about a resident's decision concerning the resident's care;

(E) Staff's duty to report any suspected abuse, abandonment, neglect, or exploitation of a resident;

(F) Advocates that are available to help residents (LTC ombudsmen, organizations); and

(G) Complaint lines, hot lines, and resident grievance procedures.

(vii) In adult family homes, safe food handling information must be provided to all staff, prior to handling food for residents.

(2) For long-term care worker orientation required of those individuals identified in WAC 388-112-0015(2):

(a) Long-term care worker orientation is a two hour training that must include introductory information in the following areas:

(i) The care setting and the characteristics and special needs of the population served;

(ii) Basic job responsibilities and performance expectations;

(iii) The care plan, including what it is and how to use it;

(iv) The care team;

(v) Process, policies, and procedures for observation, documentation and reporting;

(vi) Resident rights protected by law, including the right to confidentiality and the right to participate in care decisions or to refuse care and how the long-term care worker will protect and promote these rights;

(vii) Mandatory reporter law and worker responsibilities; and

(viii) Communication methods and techniques that can be used while working with a resident or guardian and other care team members.

One hour of completed classroom instruction or other form of training (such as a video or on line course) equals one hour of training. The training entity must establish a way for the long-term care worker to ask the instructor questions.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.520. WSR 13-02-023, § 388-112-0016, filed 12/20/12, effective 1/20/13.]

RCW 74.08.090, 74.09.520. WSR 13-02-023, § 388-112-0016, filed 12/20/12, effective 1/20/13.

Rules

388-112-0015,388-112-0015,