| LTCCC
POSITION ON FEEDING ASSISTANTS
Since the federal government passed the Nursing
Home Reform Law in 1987 - in response to reports of widespread
scandalous conditions in nursing homes across the US - an
individual has to have at least 75 hours of training and pass
a certification exam in order to provide care to nursing home
residents. Since that time, the necessity of this minimum
standard for certified nurse aides (CNAs) has been widely
accepted by government officials and experts.
In fact, over the years there has been a growing recognition
that more training is needed to properly equip CNAs to care
for vulnerable residents. Many states have instituted
higher minimum requirements (for instance, New York requires
100 hours of training). LTCCC has long been at the forefront
on this issue; our Nursing Home Staffing Committee's "model"
CNA training program calls for approximately 150 hours of
training (visit the Publications
page of this Website for a copy of that program and report,
and to find out about our other reports on this issue).
Given the longstanding acknowledgement that sufficient numbers
of well-trained staff are critical for resident safety, many
were surprised when the federal government, in an about face,
announced a drastic lowering of these standards. Under regulations
promulgated in Fall 2003, a state can allow nursing homes
to hire feeding assistants - individuals with as little as
eight hours of training and minimal supervision - to provide
care for residents who are so frail that they are unable to
feed themselves.
Proper nourishment,
as well as hydration, freedom from pressure sores and relief
from pain, are among the most critical needs of residents.
As advocates, we are devoted to ensuring that these and other
needs are met and that residents are cared for humanely.
We know that much needs to be done to improve staffing, so
that conditions are better for both residents and caregivers.
Fundamentally, however, the introduction of feeding assistants
- with a fraction of the current training requirements and
little supervision - is not the answer.
Click on
the buttons at right to learn more about the issue and the
national lawsuit supported by LTCCC to this dangerous deregulation. |
