A CBRF certification ensures caregivers possess the foundational knowledge required to provide safe support in specific residential settings. CBRF stands for Community-Based Residential Facility. This credentialing system is primarily associated with Wisconsin’s regulatory framework for assisted living. Obtaining this certification is a regulatory measure designed to protect vulnerable adults by standardizing the training for staff who provide direct resident care.
Defining a Community-Based Residential Facility
A Community-Based Residential Facility (CBRF) is defined as a residential care facility where five or more unrelated adults reside together. These facilities provide services and care that extend beyond basic room and board, assisting individuals who require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). Regulatory oversight is managed by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS).
Regulations governing the operation of a CBRF are detailed under Wisconsin Statutes Chapter 50 and the administrative rules found in DHS 83. These rules specify that residents cannot require care above an intermediate nursing level. Residents are limited to receiving no more than three hours of nursing care per person per week. The CBRF structure provides a homelike environment while ensuring residents with physical, cognitive, or mental health needs receive appropriate supervision.
Distinguishing Between Facility Licensing and Staff Certification
The term CBRF certification is used in two separate contexts: facility licensing and individual staff certification. The facility license is the regulatory approval granted to the owner or operator to legally run the residential care home. This license confirms that the physical structure, administrative policies, and overall operation comply with all state rules and statutes.
The second, more common meaning refers to the individual staff certification required for employees who provide direct care to residents. This certification is proof that the employee has successfully completed state-mandated training modules and demonstrated competency. While the facility license grants permission to operate the business, the staff certification ensures the competence of the people interacting with residents daily.
The Process of Obtaining Individual CBRF Certification
An individual seeking to work as a caregiver must complete the required training from a state-approved provider to qualify for certification. The curriculum is developed by the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and approved by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Training programs must be authorized to teach the four mandatory core modules.
The training process involves classroom instruction, hands-on practice, and a final competency examination for each module. To pass and receive credit, participants must generally achieve a score of 90% or higher on the post-test. Upon successful completion of all four modules, the training provider registers the achievement with the Wisconsin Community-Based Care and Treatment Training Registry. This registry entry serves as the official record of the caregiver’s certification for employers and regulatory agencies.
Mandatory Training Modules for CBRF Certification
Wisconsin requires CBRF staff to complete four specific training modules addressing the most common areas of resident care. These modules ensure that all caregivers possess a standardized baseline of knowledge and practical skills before they begin working with residents.
Medication Administration
This module trains staff on procedures for assisting residents with self-administration and administering medications as permitted by state law. The training emphasizes the “seven rights” of medication administration: confirming the right individual, medication, dose, route, time, documentation, and the right to refuse. Caregivers learn to recognize potential side effects, document medication events accurately, and understand secure storage and inventory procedures.
First Aid and Choking
The First Aid and Choking module provides caregivers with skills to respond effectively to medical emergencies. Training covers basic first aid principles, including how to assess and manage common injuries such as cuts, burns, and falls. Focus is placed on the practical application of techniques to assist a resident who is choking, ensuring staff can act quickly while awaiting emergency medical services.
Fire Safety
The Fire Safety module prepares staff for fire prevention, evacuation, and emergency response, prioritizing the safety of residents with mobility or cognitive limitations. Caregivers learn about prevention measures, how to recognize fire hazards, and the proper use of firefighting equipment, such as fire extinguishers. This course involves understanding the facility’s emergency and disaster plans, emphasizing the specific evacuation needs of the resident population.
Standard Precautions
Standard Precautions training educates staff on infection control practices to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. This module covers hygiene protocols, including proper handwashing and the correct use and disposal of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Staff learn safe procedures for handling bloodborne pathogens, cleaning, and disinfecting surfaces. These practices are required before an employee assumes responsibilities that may expose them to bodily fluids.
Maintaining and Renewing CBRF Certification
CBRF certification is maintained through ongoing professional education. Wisconsin Administrative Code DHS 83.25 requires that both resident care staff and administrators receive at least 15 hours of continuing education (CE) per calendar year. This annual requirement begins with the first full calendar year of the caregiver’s employment at a licensed facility.
The CE must be relevant to the caregiver’s job responsibilities and cover a variety of mandated topics. Required subjects include an annual review of standard precautions, training related to the specific client group served, medication updates, and education on resident rights. Staff must also receive training on the prevention and reporting of abuse, neglect, and misappropriation, along with refresher courses on fire safety and emergency procedures. Failure to meet the 15-hour annual requirement results in non-compliance.