DHS 129.13(1)(b)(b) After completing the training course, a state-approved standardized written quiz with a score of 75 percent or greater. Individuals may request the quiz to be administered orally. Instructors shall consider the needs of persons who have limited English proficiency or literacy difficulties.

DHS 129.13(1)(c)(c) A state-approved standardized skill demonstration, determining hand washing and resident feeding competency with a score of 75 percent or greater.

DHS 129.13(2)(2) The instructor shall observe the trainee’s performance and initial and date each skill to verify the satisfactory or unsatisfactory performance.

DHS 129.13(3)(3) Students who do not successfully pass the initial competency evaluation will be allowed the opportunity to review the training materials and retake the test. Programs can establish the number of times a candidate may retake the test. However, the program shall document the failure, opportunity for review and subsequent retake testing date.

DHS 129.13(5)(5) The instructor shall issue a state-approved certificate to each participant who successfully completes the feeding assistant program, documenting the name of the participant, the training program and the date of successful completion.

DHS 129.13 HistoryHistory: CR 08-042: cr. register November 2008 No. 635, eff. 12-1-08.

DHS 129.14DHS 129.14 Standards for instructors of feeding assistant training programs.

DHS 129.14(1)(1) The feeding assistant training programs shall determine the appropriate qualifications for their instructors based on the needs of the selected clients and the nursing home.

DHS 129.14(2)(2) Training programs shall provide the name and qualifications of the proposed instructor to the department.

DHS 129.14(3)(3) The primary instructor may supplement the course by including other individuals for lecture or demonstration whose qualifications or experience add benefit to the training program.

DHS 129.14(4)(4) A paid feeding assistant is not permitted to lead the training of another paid feeding assistant student.

DHS 129.14 HistoryHistory: CR 08-042: cr. register November 2008 No. 635, eff. 12-1-08.

DHS 129.15DHS 129.15 Feeding assistant training program approval process.

DHS 129.15(1)(1) A nursing home wishing to operate a feeding assistant training program shall apply for approval from the department on a form provided by the department with the nursing home’s proposed selected resident population, curriculum, and proposed feeding assistant instructor information.

DHS 129.15(2)(2) The department shall review the application and supporting materials to determine whether to approve or deny the feeding assistant training program. The department will issue a written notice regarding the decision of whether to approve or deny the application within 45 calendar days of receiving a complete application.

DHS 129.15(3)(3) Upon approval, the department shall issue, to the feeding assistant program, the standardized training curriculum the program selects, a Wisconsin Caregiver Program video cassette, standardized competency evaluation materials, feeding assistant training program, certificate template, and a feeding assistant roster.

DHS 129.15 HistoryHistory: CR 08-042: cr. register November 2008 No. 635, eff. 12-1-08.

DHS 129.16(1)(1) A nursing home may not employ or use any person as a feeding assistant unless the person is at least 16 years of age and has:

DHS 129.16(1)(a)(a) Successfully passed a caregiver background check, that includes no employment or licensure-prohibitive offenses in s. 146.40 (4r), Stats., or s. 48.685, Stats.

DHS 129.16(1)(b)(b) Successfully completed a feeding assistant training and competency evaluation program and been determined competent to provide feeding and hydration services to residents.

DHS 129.16(2)(2) Nursing homes shall ensure feeding assistants only serve residents who have no complicated feeding problems with eating and hydration.

DHS 129.16(3)(3) Residents with complicated feeding problems, as defined in s. DHS 129.03 (10) shall be fed and hydrated by either a licensed health care professional or a nurse aide.

DHS 129.16(4)(4) The facility shall base their resident selection for feeding assistants based on the charge nurse’s assessment and each resident’s latest assessment and plan of care.

DHS 129.16(5)(5) Feeding assistants who are 16 or 17 years of age shall work under the direct supervision of an RN or LPN.

DHS 129.16(6)(6) Feeding assistants 18 years and older shall work under the general supervision of an RN, or an LPN. The feeding assistant is not permitted to perform other nursing or nursing-related duties including, but not limited to, measuring or recording intake or output, transferring, or toileting, etc.

DHS 129.16(7)(7) A nursing home may not employ or use any individual who has successfully completed a feeding assistant training and competency evaluation program as a feeding assistant unless that nursing home has a department-approved feeding assistant training program.

DHS 129.16 HistoryHistory: CR 08-042: cr. register November 2008 No. 635, eff. 12-1-08.