The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has approved EduCare’s 5-part Dementia Series and test as an option that may be used to meet 144G.83 statutory training requirements for assisted living with dementia care providers. The statute requires that persons providing or overseeing staff training in a facility licensed as assisted living with dementia care must have experience and knowledge in the care of individuals with dementia, including:

• Two years of work experience related to Alzheimer's disease or other dementias, or in health care, gerontology, or another related field; and
• Completion of training equivalent to the requirements in this section and successfully passing a skills competency or knowledge test required by the commissioner.

MDH has added EduCare on their webpage listing approved training and testing providers. This approval followed recognition last August of EduCare's 5-part Dementia Series by the Alzheimer's Association for completing its curriculum review and incorporating its evidenced-based Dementia Care Practice Recommendations in the following topic areas: Alzheimer’s and dementia, person-centered care, assessment and care planning, activities of daily living, and behaviors and communication.

Additional information and testing options can be found on the MDH website page, Assisted Living Resources and Frequently Asked Questions, under Dementia Care Training.