...Every now and then we have
to be proud of our state. Nevadans remain a group of independent thinkers who
are willing to step forward and chart a course, set examples and lead the way
for others to follow. The most recent example of
“Nevada Pioneers” is in the health care industry. A requirement was passed by
the Board of Examiners for Long Term Care Administrators (BELTCA), effective
July 1st of this year, for all new Residential Care
Facility/Assisted Living Administrator candidates to complete an Administrator
in Training (AIT) course of 40 hours. We
must remain aware that
...Nevada
was the first state in the nation several years back to require RCF/AL
administrators to take a national exam to qualify them as administrators. This
new AIT program is in addition to the national testing process and our state
is among the first in the nation to create such a mandate.
...During the months of June
and July, 2007, several training programs have been conducted to prepare qualified
licensed administrators to serve as mentors/preceptors for the new AIT
candidates. The ultimate goal is to have the new administrators be better
prepared to assume the leadership role in our facilities statewide. The
National Association of Boards of Examiners of Long Term Care Administrators
is strongly supporting that each state step up to the plate and initiate such
a program for the RCF/AL industry.
...New administrators will be
better prepared to manage the multiple components of the facilities in these
learning areas: Administration, Human Resources, Personal Services-Resident
Care, Personal Services-Activities, Business Office/Finance, Dietary,
Housekeeping/Laundry , and Maintenance/Environmental
Management. The ultimate benefit will be for the residents who reside in the
over 380+ facilities statewide.
...Why is
Nevada
such a pioneer? Believe it or not,
Nevada
was one of the
first states nationwide to have facility licensure requirements dating back
to 1955. In 1990 only 21 states had such regulatory requirements, now all
have some form of regulatory authority.
...It’s in our heritage to be
proactive for quality issues for our seniors. The legacy
continues, and let’s encourage it to remain that way. After all, if
not for the pioneer spirit, the west might not be
Nevada
.
