Liston, Craig Introduce Ohio Dementia Care Training Act for Nurse Aides

Today, state Senators Beth Liston (D-Dublin) and Hearcel F. Craig (D-Columbus) introduced a bill that would require long-term and residential care facilities to provide nurse aides with at least two hours of dementia-specific training as part of their competency evaluation and annual in-service education. The Department of Health will approve evidence-based training programs, such as those offered by the Alzheimer’s Association, focused on communication, behavior management, and person-centered care.

“Our nurse aides are on the front lines of care every day,” said Liston. “By ensuring they receive dementia-specific training, we’re giving them the tools they need to provide compassionate, informed support to some of our most vulnerable patients.”

Ohio’s population is getting older; by 2030, more than one in four residents will be 60 or older. As more Ohioans live with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, it’s more important than ever to make sure caregivers have the right training and support. Setting clear, consistent dementia training standards will help ensure high-quality, compassionate care across the state. It will also ease stress for caregivers and give families greater confidence that their loved ones are receiving the best possible care.

“As Ohio’s population continues to age, we must ensure every older adult, especially those living with dementia, receives care that upholds their dignity and humanity,” said Craig. “By providing our nurse aides with specialized dementia training, we’re strengthening the quality of care for patients and supporting the dedicated professionals who serve them every day.”

This legislation stems directly from the Ohio Governor’s Nursing Home Quality and Accountability Task Force’s Recommendations Report, which recommended dementia care training for certified nurse aides (CNAs) as an “Immediate Action.”