The department shall offer, directly or through contract, training opportunities sufficient for a long-term care worker to accumulate sixty-five hours of training within a reasonable time period. For individual providers represented by an exclusive bargaining representative under RCW 74.39A.270, the training opportunities shall be offered through a contract with the training partnership established under RCW 74.39A.360. Training topics shall include, but are not limited to: Client rights; personal care; mental illness; dementia; developmental disabilities; depression; medication assistance; advanced communication skills; positive client behavior support; developing or improving client-centered activities; dealing with wandering or aggressive client behaviors; medical conditions; nurse delegation core training; peer mentor training; and advocacy for quality care training. The department may not require long-term care workers to obtain the training described in this section. This requirement to offer advanced training applies beginning January 1, 2010.

[2007 c 361 § 5.]

NOTES:

     Construction -- Severability -- Captions not law -- Short title -- 2007 c 361: See notes following RCW 74.39A.009.