ODP Announcement 21-060 provides guidance for compliance with annual training requirements specified in the Office of Developmental Programs’ (ODP) regulations for training years that end in 2021 and 2022. ODP’s regulations require that select staff shall complete 24 hours of training related to job skills and knowledge each year and that the annual training content must encompass six areas. Providers that are recovering from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic or who are struggling with an insufficient workforce may experience difficulty meeting the 24-hour training requirements.

Please be advised that ODP does not intend to suspend any regulation that requires completion of 24 hours of training related to job skills and knowledge each year, and does not intend to suspend any regulation that requires the provision of training that encompasses the six areas required by regulation.  Providers must comply with these requirements. However, in recognition of the potential difficulties that may be experienced in meeting the 24-hour training requirements, the announcement provides guidance that will be applied for training years that end in calendar years 2021 or 2022.

Any training provided that is specific to the COVID-19 pandemic may be counted towards the 24-hour training requirements required by regulation. Training that is specific to the COVID-19 pandemic or is a component of a Department-approved Medication Administration Course may be in addition to training in the six content areas required by regulation or may be a component of these areas.

Regardless of which training method is used, providers must be able to demonstrate to QA&I and Provider Qualification Teams and the Department’s licensing staff that:

• A total of 24 hours of training was provided;
• Some portion of the 24 hours encompassed the six required content areas; and
• Any additional training provided that is counted towards the 24-hour requirement is specific to the COVID-19 pandemic or a Department-approved Medication Administration Course.

For full details, please see ODP Announcement 21-060. Any questions about this guidance should be directed to the appropriate ODP Regional Program Office or the Department’s Regulatory Administration Unit.