ARC 3485C

ARC 3485C

AGING, DEPARTMENT ON[17]

Adopted and Filed

Pursuant to the authority of Iowa Code sections 231.14 and 17A.3, the Department on Aging hereby amends Chapter 23, "Aging and Disability Resource Center," Iowa Administrative Code.

This amendment adds two new subrules to provide for a requirement that individuals providing the service of options counseling shall complete training that was developed in partnership with the Administration for Community Living. This training will standardize the service of options counseling within the state of Iowa and ensure that the service is consistent with the agreed-upon national standard. The training requirement also furthers the mandate that the Aging and Disability Resource Center be administered consistent with the federal Act.

Notice of Intended Action was published in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin as ARC 3376C on October 11, 2017. The Department received one public comment regarding this amendment. The respondent suggested that an options counselor be given six months to complete the training due to cost and the time commitment. The Department's deliberation concerning an options counselor's successful completion of training within 30 days of employment instead of prior to employment is to allow the area agency on aging to include the cost of training within the options counseling service taxonomy. The Department is concerned that individuals without training could hold themselves out as options counselors, and the general public could receive improper information related to options for long-term services and supports. This amendment is identical to that published under Notice.

After analysis and review of this rule making, no adverse impact on jobs has been found.

This amendment is intended to implement Iowa Code section 231.64.

This amendment will become effective on January 10, 2018.

The following amendment is adopted.

Adopt the following new subrules 23.7(5) and 23.7(6):

23.7(5) Position-specific training. The options counselor shall provide to the ADRC coordination center documentation of successful completion of the person-centered counseling core curriculum provided by Elsevier, or an equivalent that is approved by the department, within 30 days of employment as an options counselor. Documentation shall be included in the individual's personnel record.

23.7(6) Continuing education requirements for an options counselor. An options counselor shall:

a. Obtain during the term of employment eight hours of relevant training annually as required by the department.

b. Document training related to the provision of options counseling if eight hours of training are not obtained in accordance with paragraph 23.7(6)"a." Documentation shall be included in the individual's personnel record.

[Filed 11/15/17, effective 1/10/18]

[Published 12/6/17]

Editor's Note: For replacement pages for IAC, see IAC Supplement 12/6/17.