First Steps® (FS) ACP Design and Implementation is intended for healthcare and community leaders (administrators, managers, program directors, and others) and intermediate to advanced level social work practitioners who are interested in implementing an effective First Steps ACP program within their organization or community.

Purpose

The purpose of this program is to describe the key elements in designing an effective FS ACP program within an organization or community.

Objectives

1. Describe the Respecting Choices® evidence-based, systematic approach to creating a sustainable ACP program.
2. Identify five leadership strategies that guide the cultural transformation of person-centered ACP.
3. Explain four key elements and related strategies in designing a FS ACP implementation plan.
4. Participate in small group problem-solving activities.

The First Steps® (FS) ACP Facilitator Certification course is designed to help participants learn the skills needed to facilitate foundational ACP discussions with any adult.

Target Audience

FS ACP Facilitator Certification is intended for healthcare providers (nurses, all levels of social workers, health educators, and physicians), clergy, and others involved in providing ACP facilitation.

Purpose

The purpose of this program is to assist participants in learning effective communication and interview skills for person-centered ACP facilitation.

Objectives

1. Identify interview skills for facilitating FS conversations with healthy adults.
2. Identify interview skills for facilitating FS for adults with chronic illness.
3. Create strategies to communicate the plan, including the completion of an advance directive document.
4. Examine the ACP Facilitator’s role in implementing 3 key systems for ACP effectiveness.
5. Demonstrate beginning competency in facilitating FS conversations through role-play activities.

Initial Certification Requirements

• Completion of the FS ACP Facilitator Certification Online Curriculum (Modules 1-4)
• Completion of the FS ACP Facilitator Certification classroom training (8-hour classroom instruction)

Ongoing Certification Requirements

Currently, RC has no ongoing recertification requirements. It is recommended that recertification requirements be established and monitored by the Facilitator’s sponsoring organization and RC Instructors. RC intends to establish recertification requirements in the future.

The First Steps® (FS) ACP Instructor Certification course features strategies for teaching and evaluating the communication skills of others, and prepares participants to teach the FS ACP Facilitator Certification course.

Target Audience

FS ACP Instructor Certification is intended for healthcare educators, community leaders, intermediate to advanced level social work practitioners, and chaplains who are interested in becoming certified to replicate the FS ACP Facilitator Certification course in their own organization or community.

Purpose

The purpose of this program is to assist participants in becoming certified as RC FS ACP Instructors.

Objectives

1. Define Instructor responsibilities and common strategies for teaching the RC FS ACP Facilitator Certification course.
2. Facilitate a brief discussion on a selected ACP topic.
3. Demonstrate ACP facilitation skills and role of the Instructor through a selected role-play.
4. Complete a FS ACP Instructor Certification Exam.

Initial Certification Requirements

• FS ACP Facilitator Certification
• Completion of the FS ACP Design and Implementation course
• Completion of a FS Instructor Agreement

Ongoing Certification Requirements

• Compliance with the FS Instructor Agreement
• Completion of curriculum updates and recertification requirements