The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) reviews and approves or disapproves nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs (NATCEPs) and nurse aide competency evaluation programs (CEPs).

Any person or entity that wants to offer a NATCEP must receive approval from DADS.

Each NATCEP must provide a minimum of 75 clock hours of training, including:

51 clock hours of classroom training that doesn't involve direct resident care; and
24 clock hours of hands-on resident care in a nursing facility.

Each NATCEP must teach the DADS-established curriculum, including:

At least 16 introductory hours of training in the following areas before direct client contact:

communication and interpersonal skills;
infection control;
safety and emergency procedures, including the Heimlich maneuver;
promoting residents' independence; and
respecting residents' rights.

Personal care skills.
Basic nursing skills.
Mental health and social service needs.
Care of cognitively impaired residents.
Basic restorative services.
Residents' rights.

A facility may not provide NATCEP training if within the previous two years it:

operated under a waiver under 42 United States Code (USC), relating to the services of a registered nurse;
has been subject to an extended (or partial extended) survey under 42 USC;
has been assessed a civil money penalty of not less than $5,000; or
has been subject to denial of payment or appointment of temporary management.

Employability Checks

Effective May 1, 2008, NATCEPs are required to check both the Employee Misconduct Registry (EMR) and the Nurse Aide Registry (NAR) and to conduct a criminal history background check for all applicants. Applicants found to be listed on the EMR, or who are listed on the NAR in “revoked” status, or who have a criminal history that would bar employment in a DADS-licensed facility or agency are prohibited from enrolling in a nurse aide training program.

Updated: September 8, 2011