Background Checks, Abuse/Neglect Training and More… Risk/Compliance Considerations for RD Consultants in Health Care

Nevada: 
Background check:  Background history is checked at the state and federal levels at the time of applying for state licensure.  
License is renewed every 2 years, no grace period or you restart the licensing process.

During the renewal process, the system will let you know if you need your background check renewed before you can complete the renewal process. The state licensing department gives you 4 months' notice just for this reason to allow you time to schedule the updated background check so your license does lapse.

The state holds each contract employee or traveler to the standards or requirements each facility has identified or which is identified in the consulting contract for TB testing, abuse and neglect training, and CPR certification. Please check each of your facilities for their direction regarding these requirements.


Utah: 
Dietitian completes the certification process which is completed on-line and requires proof of CDR as well as a $60 fee. Background checks are not required for the certification process.

Long Term Care surveyor supervisor-Gregg Bateman stated:  The survey process does not go into specific individual monitoring. They will only check specifics if complaints or concerns are voiced or found. 
He encourages the Dietitian to be aware of their facility’s human resource department requirements or the specific details outlined in the contract between the facility and the consulting company. 

Best practice is to have yearly abuse and training proof on file and this is per the facility policy. TB testing and CPR certification are only directed or expected if the facility policy outlines they are required for the consultant or if directed by the consulting contract. 


Colorado:
Long term care survey supervisor (Joe) stated:
Surveyors are looking that the consultant has a background check upon employment or entering the facility, yearly abuse and neglect training, and that the consultant is aware of each individual facility's requirement for the consulting contractor. 

Best practice is to know what each facility requires per their human resource department or as identified in the contract. If the facility has identified or stated TB testing, updated background check renewals or their own abuse and neglect training, they will hold the consultant to those specific requirements.


Arizona:
Information provided by Matt Connely for the State:
Background checks are not required for an RD in Arizona as licensure is not required. 

However, background checks would be required if the facility’s human resource department requires one. The consultant needs to be aware of the facility’s corporate policy on background checks.

TB testing - Step 2 testing method or facility policy. The state requires all staff including consultants to have an annual TB test if they are in the facility >8 hrs a week. 

Abuse and neglect training is required annually per CMS regulations. The type of training (independent or facility training)  would be based on the facility’s policy or if the consulting contract specifies. 

CPR certification would only be required if the facility policy required.


California: 
Information provided by Terry Blackwell:
TB testing is based on risk and facility standards. The consultant needs to check and follow the facility’s TB testing policy.

Background check and how often it is renewed is based on CMS regulations and each facility’s corporate policy, as California dietitians are not licensed.

Abuse and neglect is also CMS regulated and the specific training would fall again under the facility’s corporate policy on if the training can be an approved CMS training or needs to be the facility training.

CPR certification is only required as directed by the facility policy or consulting contract.


Idaho: 
Information provided by Belinda per Debbie:
Proof of TB Step 2 or Step 1 testing to be in the facility's consultant file.  If the consultant cannot provide proof either testing has already been completed with a pro negative result then a Step 2 test will need to be done.  Results to be kept in the facility's consultant folder and filed at each of the facilities you consult (it is suggested you keep a copy with you on hand).

Abuse and neglect is required annually and the type has to be CMS-approved, however, it will be based on each facility’s policy regarding contract services what abuse and neglect training the facility requires. 

CPR- directed by facility policy 

Background check-Debbie Ransom stated best practice if for the consulting dietitian routinely working in the facility to have an active background check with each facility they work in adding the facility’s Idaho Background check ID number to their background clearance. Debbie would like any RD visiting an Idaho building to have a copy of their background clearance letter to provide a copy to the building they are visiting to be placed into the consulting file.


Washington:
Background check- Background check through the Washington State Department of Social & Health Services with the facility initiating the check. A copy of the Notification of Background Check Results needs to be on file with each of the consulting dietitian’s Washington facilities. This background check needs renewed every 2 years. The dietitian can initiate their own re-check using their Confirmation Code that is provided with the clearance letter.

TB testing is required for all dietitians within the first 3 days of working in the facility. Step 2 testing method is required, once test results show negative this is good for 12 months with a Step 1 test needed annually after. The Step 1 test results need to be shared with each facility and kept on record in the consulting dietitian contract file with the administration. If an RDN starts in another facility within 12 months of the initial Step 2 test, they can provide the new facility a copy of the Step 2 test results and provide the follow-up Step 1 test results each year after.

Abuse and neglect is required annually and the type has to be CMS-approved, however it will be based on each facility’s policy regarding contract services what abuse and neglect training they require.

CPR-directed by facility policy.


Kansas:
Refer to the facility's policies and requirements.


Oregon: 
Background checks upon hire with Oregon requiring re-check every 2 years
TB test- no specific requirements for Oregon so please check with your facility’s Human resource policy for direction 
Abuse and Neglect- required annually per CMS. Please again check with your specific facility’s policy regarding abuse and neglect training. 

AGENDA:
 

9:00 am – 10:30 am (1.5)	·        Human Resource Management | Carsten Peterson, Attorney, Hawley Troxell To plan, engage and retain the employees your business depends on, and to keep you compliant with all workplace and employment legislation and regulation, you need current HR knowledge and skills.  Come engage with the presenter and take opportunities to apply knowledge in this interactive presentation. Employment Law Recruitment, Hiring, Training, Retaining Social Networks Performance Reviews Discipline & Documentation
10:45 am – 12:15 pm (1.5)	Idaho IDDSI Implementation Project | Sue Linja, RDN, LD, S & S Nutrition Network, Inc. In this highly interactive session, you will: review & understand the changes made to the 2020 Idaho Diet Manual, increase your knowledge & skills at IDDSI implementation through hands-on exercises, in groups, modify a sample implementation plan for your facility, share ideas for support & training needed to take the next step toward implementation.
12:15 pm – 12:45 pm (0.5)	LUNCH – provided
12:45 pm - 2:15 pm (1.5)	Idaho IDDSI Implementation Project | Sue Linja, RDN, LD, S & S Nutrition Network, Inc. Continued…
2:30 pm – 4:00 pm (1.5)	Handling Stress in the Workplace:  Self-care or Self-loathing? | Barry Surratt, Chaplain, Id State Veterans Home-Boise Every person feels stress in unique ways and has differing methods of coping with the stress they feel.  We care for others while often neglecting our own needs.  You will learn that self-care is a deliberate choice and begin to identify what causes stress at work, home and even at play.  You will have the opportunity to develop a personal plan to cope with your personal stressors and encouraged to find a “safe person” to talk to.  The session will include how to cope with the stress caused by the death of residents you have cared for.