UPDATED - COVID-19 DSP Training

Purpose:

This Information Bulletin provides updated guidance, effective July 1, 2020, for hiring, redeployment and training for the following:

• New Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) hired during the COVID-19 crisis
• Redeployment of current staff to DSP roles
• Sharing of staff between community providers
• Medication Administration changes.

Overarching:

The Division made a number of temporary changes to assist agencies during the Stay at Home order. The changes are allowed only during the COVID-19 crisis period as defined by the Division. Now that Illinois is progressing through the Restore Illinois plan, certain allowances are also being rescinded.

Changes to eligibility for DSPs:

• Effective July 1, 2020, CNAs, LPNs, And RNs hired as DSPs must complete the DHS approved (pre-COVID_19) abbreviated DSP training.
• CNAs, LPNs, And RNs who were hired March 17, 2020 to June 30, 2020 must now complete the (pre- COVID-19) abbreviated DSP training within 120 days or no later than November 1, 2020.
• American Heart Association Provider Cards, expiring beginning in March 2020, will be valid for 120 days beyond their recommended renewal date.
• Effective July 1, 2020, agencies no longer have 30 days from date of hire to complete fingerprints. This must be completed within 10 days of hire. If you have difficulty getting them completed, please contact DHS.BQM@illinois.gov
• Staff may still be shared between agencies. If they are shared, the hiring agency must complete all necessary background checks and fingerprints. Any staff that continues to work for an agency past July 1, 2020, must complete all necessary background checks and fingerprints. This can longer be documented by interagency emails.

Changes to eligibility for current employees to allow for redeployment:

• Effective July 1, 2020, staff who have been redeployed to work as DSPs must complete the full DSP training to continue working as a DSP. This training must be completed by November 1, 2020.
• DSPs can continue to work alone if they have First Aid/CPR Card that was valid on January 1, 2020. First Aid/CPR certification must be resumed according to the extension guidelines provided by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

Changes to DSP Training:

• Effective July 1, 2020, staff can no longer be hired using the Modified Direct Support Person Curriculum.
• Staff who were hired using the Modified Direct Support Person (DSP) Curriculum must complete the standard DSP Curriculum no later than November 1, 2020.  If the training period exceeds 120 days from the date of hire the normal waiver process for this must be followed.
• Resuming July 1, 2020, All DSPs are required to have First Aid/CPR. If you have difficulty finding a training that meets your agency's needs, please contact DHS.BQM@illinois.gov for assistance.

Changes to Agency Controlled PSW Rules:

• Resuming July 1, 2020, agencies must complete all background checks and fingerprints prior to staff working with individuals.
• Staff hired between March 17, 2020 and June 30, 2020 will have 30 days to complete all background checks and fingerprints, or until August 1, 2020.
• PSWs hired effective July 1, 2020 will have to wait for the fingerprint results prior to working with individuals.
• Resuming July 1, 2020, PSWs must complete the standard DSP curriculum prior to working alone with individuals.

Changes to Medication Administration Training:

• Resuming July 1, 2020, the basic 8-hour medication administration training class should be conducted in-person by the RN Trainer.
• Resuming July 1, 2020 the formal First Aid/CPR Aid class will be required prior to completing the basic 8-hour medication administration training class.
• Resuming July 1, 2020, the basic 8-hour medication training is transferable between agencies if the Authorized DSP provides the hiring agency a copy of the training sign-in sheet. It will no longer be permissible to demonstrate completion of this training based on interagency emails.
• The RN Trainer continues to have the discretion to determine if a staff member does not demonstrate competency to administer medications.
• Effective July 1, 2020, CBTAs must be done in person.
• Effective July 1, 2020, deadlines that occur on or after July 1, 2020 for the annual Nursing Assessments, SAMAs and HRSTs will not be extended.
  • Deadlines that lapsed during the COVID-19 crisis period (March 2020 to June 30, 2020) must be completed by November 1, 2020.
• Effective July 1, 2020, the RN Trainer can no longer electronically sign documents with a typed signature.

Effective Date:

Upon Final Posting