In Washington State the legislator enacted RCW49.19 Safety in a Heath Care Setting which, along with guidelines for developing a violence prevention plan, includes a requirement for training of all employees in the field of violence prevention. NW Crisis Training curriculum covers many of the requirements set forth in the law. See below for the full RCW related to the training requirement.
NW Crisis Training, through utilization of Edgework methodology, has focused on the cycle of aggression and techniques meant to de-escalate a person to prevent violence. Beyond that we teach recognizing behaviors and actions that show a person is escalating towards violence and how to respond. In our classes we cover general safety guidelines and additional strategies to prevent physical harm.
Even though our standard classes do not automatically include hands on training, we can easily incorporate the skills above into a non stressful “mock” scene where employees get a chance to practice the skills taught in our class.
With a full days class we build in time for the the heath care entity to address items unique to their organization. This includes their violence prevention plan, documenting and reporting incidents, the procedures for debriefing a violent incident and resources available to employees after a violent incident.
We are happy to work with an organization to prepare a training unique to their needs while addressing the requirements of the law. Please contact us for more information.
Violence prevention training.
(1) By July 1, 2020, and on a regular basis thereafter, as set forth in the plan developed under RCW 49.19.020, each health care setting shall provide violence prevention training to all applicable employees, volunteers, and contracted security personnel, as determined by the plan.
(2) The training shall occur within ninety days of the employee’s initial hiring date unless he or she is a temporary employee.
(3) The method and frequency of training may vary according to the information and strategies identified in the plan developed under RCW 49.19.020. Trainings may include, but are not limited to, classes that provide an opportunity for interactive questions and answers, hands on training, video training, brochures, verbal training, or other verbal or written training that is determined to be appropriate under the plan. Trainings must address the following topics, as appropriate to the particular setting and to the duties and responsibilities of the particular employee being trained, based upon the hazards identified in the plan required under RCW 49.19.020:
(a) The health care setting’s workplace violence prevention plan;
(b) General safety procedures;
(c) Violence predicting behaviors and factors;
(d) The violence escalation cycle;
(e) De-escalation techniques to minimize violent behavior;
(f) Strategies to prevent physical harm with hands-on practice or role play;
(g) Response team processes;
(h) Proper application and use of restraints, both physical and chemical restraints;
(i) Documentation and reporting incidents;
(j) The debrief process for affected employees following violent acts; and
(k) Resources available to employees for coping with the effects of violence.