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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Frank Dermody |
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Dermody bill recommends joint training opportunities for care providers
and those who license the facilities
HARRISBURG, May 6 – State Rep. Frank Dermody, D-Oakmont, has introduced legislation that is designed to narrow the knowledge gap between regulators and providers of long-term care services when it comes to training and continuing education opportunities.
"Although nursing and personal care homes, and assisted-living facilities provide different levels of care, the basic premise is the same -- caring for others who need help in daily living," Dermody said. "Providers and those who regulate them have a wealth of knowledge and experience about caring for others. Sharing that knowledge and experience in the context of education and training can only benefit the residents in those facilities."
Nursing homes are licensed by the Health Department, while personal care homes and assisted living residences are licensed by the Department of Public Welfare. The joint training offered under Dermody's bill (H.B. 1429) would let providers and licensing staff interact with one another to promote a common understanding of laws and regulations that impact them.
The measure would require each department to schedule joint training for providers and licensing staff twice a year. The training would cover the 10 most frequently issued citations in the last year and analyze at least one of them, along with information on how to avoid or resolve conditions that could result in a citation. The training also would include review of any regulations or guidelines that are due to be published within the next six months.
This training would qualify as continuing education and count toward the requirements set by licensing boards.
Dermody said that Florida, Minnesota, Michigan and Texas already allow joint training in order to share information and improve care for residents of long-term care facilities.
The bill has been referred to the House Health and Human Services Committee for review.
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