The SCAN Foundation as part of developing its Fall 2009 Request for Proposal (RFP) commissioned a set of issue papers from experts across the nation which focus on understanding the role of CNAs and HHAs in California and the opportunities for developing senior specific curriculum to enhance their skills through continuing education. The papers include:

Direct Care Workers: Essential to Quality Nursing Home and Home Health Care
Author: Sarah Wells, Executive Director and Alice Hedt, Consultant, NCCNHR (National Citizens' Coalition for Nursing Home Reform)

State of California Certification and Continuing Education Requirements for Certified Nursing Assistants and Home Health Aides
Authors: Susan Chapman, PhD, RN, Associate Professor, Department of Social and
Behavioral Sciences, UCSF School of Nursing and Center for Health Professionals, and Debra Bakerjian, PhD, MSN, FNP, Claire M Fagin Postdoctoral Fellow Assistant Adjunct Professor UCSF School of Nursing

Effective Strategies and Exemplary Ongoing Training Programs for Direct Care Workers
Author: Natasha Bryant Senior Research Associate, Institute for the Future of Aging Services, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging

Developing Geriatric Curricula
Author: Annette Totten, PhD, MPA, Consultant

Supporting Training for Direct Care Staff
Author: Lee Goldberg, Long Term Care Policy Director, Service Employees
International Union (SEIU)

Opportunities for the State of California
Author: Allison Ruff, Chief Consultant for the California Assembly Committee on
Aging and Long-Term Care (abstract from:
http://www.thescanfoundation.org/documents/reports/Convening%20Paper.pdf).