Comprehesive nursing assistance certification laws and ethics

RCAC

A facility that is comparable to senior apartment living and that offers minimal care.

CBRF

One type of assisted-living community.

Respite care

Services that provide a safe and stimulating environment for older adults or developmentally disabled clients over the age of 18, normally during daytime hours.

Acute care facility

A healthcare facility that provides short-term care for residents who have an immediate illness or injury.

Responsibility

Accountability for one's choices and actions.

Chain of command

A hierarchical route of communication from one member of the healthcare team to the next.

Mandatory reporter

Someone who, as part of their job, must report any abusive or unlawful activity immediately.

Title 22

The California Code of Regulations that provides information about nurse aide training programs and other healthcare licensing regulations.

Assisted-living community

A facility that bridges the gap between living independently and living in a healthcare facility for example a nursing home.

Rights

Entitlements; beliefs or laws that provide freedom to act in certain ways.

OBRA

Legislation that mandated many regulations regarding the care of residents, resident rights, and the training requirements for nursing assistants.

Joint Commission

An entity that accredits and surveys most acute care facilities in the United States.

Hospice

Offers specialty end-of-life care for residents who have less than 6 months to live.

Ethics

Principles of right and wrong that drive our behavior.

Long-term care facility

Offers care for residents needing skilled-nursing care for a substantial length of time.

D.I.S.C.I.P

Dignity, Infection Control, Safety, Communication, Independence, Privacy.

Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

A law that allows an employee to take a leave of absence from their job for a total of 12 weeks out of any 12-month period for certain medical needs without the risk of losing their job.

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

A privacy law created in 1996 that protects all healthcare information that can be linked to an individual, known as individually identifiable health information.

Delegated task

A job or action that a supervisor asks you to complete either verbally or through a written care plan.

Informed consent

The right to know what treatment options are available, and the risks associated with those treatments; the resident then has the right to make a choice about those options.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

Legislation created in 1970 that ensures that all employees have safe and healthy working conditions.

Ombudsman

A volunteer who helps to protect the rights of residents by investigating complaints or reports of resident rights violations.

Scope of practice

The responsibilities, skills, and actions that you are permitted and expected to follow after you have completed your training.