Making Sense of California’s RCFE Medication Training Requirements
The medication training requirements of Health and Safety Code Section 1569.69 took effect January 1, 2008, requiring direct care staff in California Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) to comply with new, expanded training requirements when assisting residents with self-administration of medications.
Because nearly all RCFE’s provide medication assistance to their residents, these new requirements have been getting a lot of attention over the past several months. But, unfortunately, the somewhat complicated requirements of H&S Code 1569.69 can be difficult to apply to the myriad staffing plans, administrator qualifications, and other scenarios encountered in facilities.
The good news is that Community Care Licensing issued an official information release in mid-December-you can find the release here-which addresses most questions providers have in a “Frequently Asked Questions” format. All RCFE administrators will want to become familiar with the official release and ensure they are in compliance with H&S Code 1569.69. For your convenience, here is a quick recap of a few of the major points:
1. What training is required?
H&S Code 1569.69 requires staff training on medications for any RCFE staff member that will assist residents with self-administration of medications. However, the exact requirements vary based on the size of your facility.
If your facility is licensed for 16 or more residents, the staff training must include:
- 8 hours of initial training or instruction (covering the nine medication topics in 1569.69) within the first two weeks of employment
- 8 hours of hands-on shadowing training in the facility prior to assisting residents with self-administration of medications
- An examination that tests the employee’s comprehension of and competency in the nine medication topics
- 4 hours of in-service training on medication-related topics every 12 months
If your facility is licensed for 15 residents or less, the staff training must include:
- 4 hours of initial training or instruction (covering the nine medication topics in 1569.69) within the first two weeks of employment
- 2 hours of hands-on shadowing training in the facility prior to assisting residents with self-administration of medications
- An examination that tests the employee’s comprehension of and competency in the nine medication topics
- 4 hours of in-service training on medication-related topics every 12 months
2. Who must take the training?
All RCFE staff members that will assist residents with self-administration of medications, including the administrator (if he/she provides assistance), must complete the training requirement. However, licensed medical professionals (e.g. RN, LVN, MD) do not have to complete the training requirement.
3. Who can conduct the training?
H&S Code 1569.69 also specifies requirements for the individual conducting the medication training. First, they must have completed a minimum of five hours of initial, or certified continuing education, or three semester units, or the equivalent, from an accredited educational institution, on topics relevant to medication management. This training could be completed by attending the appropriate Community Education, LLC continuing education course.
They must also have two years full-time experience, within the last four years, as a consultant, administrator, or direct care staff member with expertise in medication management.
Alternatively, if the trainer is a licensed medical professional (e.g. RN, LVN, MD) they are qualified to conduct the training.
4. Can the training be completed by taking a live or online course?
Yes! The four or eight hours (depending on facility capacity) of initial training can be completed by attending a course led by a qualified trainer. Community Education, LLC offers both a live basic medication training course and an online med aide training course that can be used to meet this portion of the requirement. However, the required hands-on shadowing training must be done in your facility. If you need assistance completing the shadowing, our consultants are available to assist; call us at (800) 321-1727.
5. Is that everything I need to know about H&S Code 1569.69?
Unfortunately, no. There is actually quite a bit more to it, including modifications to your plan of operation that must be submitted to licensing, and a few other details. So be sure to read the official CCL information release as well as the full text of 1569.69. And if you still have questions, please feel free to call us at (800) 321-1727.
Well, this new training has been sometime in the making and we’ve plently of ‘heads-up’ about it.
Frankly it’s long overdue. The shadow element requires only 8 hours. I have required 40 hours of all new employee’s for years.
While it’s a hassle for large places to get this up to speed it’s a good reg.
I personally think after completing the 40-hour Administrator and 8-hour Medication training classes that the latter can be incorporated with the first by efficient use of time management. The extra 8-hour class only adds more frustration to the exasperating experience a RCFE facility applicant already endures in terms of the long wait before a facility get licensed by the state. Meantime, our poor elderlies are becoming victims of the less-effective care offered by overwhelmed, understaffed and expensive facilities.
Can someone on G-tube remain in RL? If not, what would be your recommendation in order for the resident to stay in her own apartment?
Thank you David and Filipina for your comments. Alex…feel free to call us anytime at the office to discuss your question: (800) 321-1727.
I took the 8 hr medication training course and as a new administrator, working on getting licensed, where do I get the 8 hr shadowing?
Does anyone know where to take the 8 hours medication training and the 8 hours shawdowing? I want it somewhere at North California area.
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