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Florida's Advocate for Long Term Care Providers and the Elders They Serve

Facility Operations

Personal Care Attendant Program

On June 24, 2021, Gov. Desantis signed HB 485 by Rep. Sam Garrison (R-Orange Park)/Sen. Aaron Bean (R-Jacksonville) into law. As a reminder, this legislation makes Personal Care Attendants a permanent part of the workforce, effective immediately.

The Agency for Health Care Administration has finalized the Personal Care Attendant Rule (R. 59A-4.1081, F.A.C.), effective May 4, 2022. Personal Care Attendants must undergo 16 hours of education and 8 hours of supervised simulation to demonstrate competency before a PCA can have any direct contact with a resident. The training must be taught by a Registered Nurse and upon satisfactory completion, the PCA will work under the supervision of the licensed nursing staff and in collaboration with CNAs.

Personal Care Attendant Program Instructor Guide and Training Materials

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The PCA Program Instructor Guide is designed to prepare nursing center providers in creating and implementing the program, and offers detailed content on the training standards and required areas of instruction/competency. The  Competency Check off forms are included. The PCA Program Rule (R. 59A-4.1081, F.A.C.) is effective May 4, 2022.  FHCA Member Rate: $250 | Nonmember Rate: $450

Personal Care Attendant Study Guide for CNA Exam

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Developed to assist the Personal Care Attendant (PCA) staff person in preparing for and completing the CNA Competency Evaluation Exam (CNA test). This guide covers Long Term Care Nursing Assistant Fundamentals, Nursing Assistant Theory, Clinical Skills Performance, Communication and Conflict Resolution, Getting Ready for the CNA test, and practice tests for students. FHCA Member Rate: $40 | Nonmember Rate: $40

Personal Care Attendant Program Webinar (Members Only)*

From PCA to CNA: A Best Practice Webinar on Developing Your Center’s Program and Helping Your PCAs Advance Their Careers (Sept. 17, 2021)

This webinar includes an overview of the legislative changes that were made to the permanent PCA program, the resources available to assist nursing centers with creating and implementing the program and support the PCA staff member with preparing for and completing the CNA exam. Long term care leaders share best practices for recruiting and training PCAs and helping them transition into permanent CNA positions. Prometric, Florida’s test administrator for certified nursing assistants, shares updates about what providers should know to prepare their PCAs for the CNA exam, including tips for PCAs to be successful in their test taking and key factors to consider when registering and scheduling to take the exam. *Please note the webinar was developed prior to AHCA formal rulemaking so does not reflect the current PCA education requirements under R. 59A-4.1081, F.A.C., which becomes effective May 4, 2022.