Maryland § 19-4A-03.1

§ 19-4A-03.1.

    (a)    In this section, “supervisory staff” means an individual who supervises direct care staff in the individual’s clinical role.

    (b)    This section does not apply to a residential service agency that only provides durable medical equipment.

    (c)    (1)    Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, beginning July 1, 2022, each residential service agency shall ensure that:

            (i)    Within 45 days after an individual’s start of employment as part of the residential service agency’s direct care or supervisory staff, the individual is trained to provide the care required by the clients of the residential service agency by, at a minimum, providing 3 hours of online or in–person training regarding dementia, including training regarding:

                1.    An overview of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia;

                2.    Person–centered care;

                3.    An understanding of the assessment and care planning process;

                4.    Activities of daily living; and

                5.    Alzheimer’s disease and dementia–related behaviors and communication; and

            (ii)    Each member of the residential service agency’s direct care or supervisory staff receives 2 hours of online or in–person continuing education training regarding Alzheimer’s disease and dementia each calendar year.

        (2)    The training required under paragraph (1) of this subsection may be provided by a supervisory staff member who is responsible for developing an individual’s plan of care and assigning appropriate personnel.

    (d)    A residential service agency is not required to provide the training:

        (1)    Described under subsection (c)(1)(i) of this section if the individual has:

            (i)    Provided Alzheimer’s disease or dementia–related direct care or supervisory services for at least 24 consecutive months before beginning employment with the residential service agency; and

            (ii)    Received from a residential service agency or other entity a certificate of completion issued under subsection (e) of this section; or

        (2)    Described under subsection (c)(1)(ii) of this section if the individual has completed the training described under subsection (c)(1)(ii) of this section in the immediately preceding 12 months.

    (e)    A person providing the training described under subsection (c) of this section shall issue a certificate of completion to each individual who completes the training.

    (f)    Each residential service agency shall maintain records that indicate the type of training received by each individual who has received a certificate of completion issued under subsection (e) of this section while employed by the residential service agency.