Earlier this year, the Minnesota Department of Health waived the 8-hour training requirement for Paid Feeding Assistants, in accordance with a waiver from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. 

Our partners at EduCare have released the only MDH approved expedited curriculum in Minnesota, which is a 2.5 hour course with competencies. There is no cost to this program thanks to the generous support of the LeadingAge Minnesota Foundation. 

Registration: For EduCare Users

Members who are users of EduCare trainings have access to the Paid Feeding Assistant curriculum through their EduCare library. Contact Jennifer Anderson, President/CEO of EduCare, if you have questions on how to access.

Registration: For non-EduCare Users

Members may access the same training for free here. Course syllabus and competency resources will be provided to staff educators/RN trainers. 

Please note that the only component of Paid Feeding Assistant regulation that was waived is the length of training required. Other language, such as the exception language in 144A.62 Subdivision 8 remains. The exceptions to the use of a Paid Feeding Assistant include:

A resident attendant may not be assigned to feed any resident who is:

1) At risk of choking while eating or drinking;
2) Presents significant behavior management challenges while eating or drinking; or
3) Presents other risk factors that may require emergency intervention.