Changes to Continuing Education Requirements in Assisted Living

The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) training unit recently updated WAC 388-112A-0600; this update went into effect on October 1.  WHCA provided feedback to DSHS on the language changes, and we are encouraged at the increased flexibility offered in the updated regulation.

Two primary changes regarding continuing education (CE) expectations have changed:

WHAT TOPICS COULD APPLY AS CE

The previous version of the regulation listed specific topics that could count towards CE.  The new version, however, lacks a prescriptive list and rather states that the CEs must be relevant to the care setting, care needs of clients, caregiver self-care, and/or long-term care worker professional development.

WHAT TOPICS CAN BE REPEATED FOR CREDIT

The previous version of WAC 388-112A-0600 clearly identified what courses could be repeated for CE credit, and included language that up to five of the12 credit hours per year could consist of repeat courses/topics.  The new version, however, simply states that, “the same course may not be repeated within the individual’s current continuing education compliance year….”

DSHS continues to offer free and department-approved on-demand CE courses at www.carelearnwa.com.  Most of WHCA’s online and in-person courses are also approved for CE.

For more information about training requirements, including CE, please call Vicki McNealley at 360-352-3304 extension 107 or email her at [email protected].