Self-Studies Store
AFC Licensees and Administrators can meet their continuing education credits requirements through MALA's self-study program. Participants will receive an educational package for their self-study as well as a test. The test must be completed and faxed to MALA to score and issue a certificate of completion and continuing education credits.
The following topics are available for self-study:
Indoor Air Quality: Is Your Building Making You Sick?
with Cindy Ostrowski, Certified Industrial Hygienist
Approved for 1 CEU for AFC Administrators and Licensees
1 CEU for Nursing Home Administrators
Available on CD
Indoor pollution sources that release gases or particles into the air are the primary cause of indoor air quality problems in offices and homes. Inadequate ventilation can increase these indoor pollutants by not bringing in enough outdoor air to dilute emissions from indoor sources. This self-study will identify common sources of indoor pollutants along with solutions to eliminate these pollutants and improve the indoor air quality in buildings.
Cindy Ostrowski is a certified industrial hygienist who established her own consulting firm, CAO Consulting. She has twenty years experience in the field of industrial hygiene which includes indoor air quality investigations. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Occupational and Environmental Health from Wayne State University. As an industrial hygienist, Cindy evaluates and controls occupational hazards, which include chemical, noise, biological, physical and ergonomic hazards. Cindy was appointed by former Michigan Governor Engler to the MIOSHA Board of Health and Safety Compliance and Appeals, on which she continues to serve. She is currently the Secretary-Elect for the American Industrial Hygiene Association. She also served as a Board of Director for AIHA the previous three years. She is the current chair for the Industrial Hygiene Division of the Michigan Safety Conference.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $20.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $40.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Blood Borne Pathogens
Approved for 2 CEUs for AFC Licensees and Administrators
Available on CD
This training is designed to help adult foster care employees meet minimum standards related to prevention and containment of communicable diseases including: (1) The identification of situations where risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens exists; (2) The need to keep work and room surfaces clean, orderly and sanitary; (3) The purpose of universal precautions; precautions that should be taken to prevent HIV and HBV; and (4) Correct hand washing procedures.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $35.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $70.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Back Injury Prevention
with Cindy Ostrowski, Certified Industrial Hygienist
Approved for 1 CEU for AFC Administrators and Licensees
1 CEU for Nursing Home Administrators
Available on CD
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than one million workers suffer back injuries each year. Back injuries account for one of every five workplace injuries or illnesses. Information on risk factors associated with transferring and lifting clients/residents that contribute to back injuries along with solutions to prevent these risk factors and prevent injuries will be presented during the self-study.
Cindy Ostrowski is a certified industrial hygienist who established her own consulting firm, CAO Consulting. She has twenty years experience in the field of industrial hygiene which includes indoor air quality investigations. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Occupational and Environmental Health from Wayne State University. As an industrial hygienist, Cindy evaluates and controls occupational hazards, which include chemical, noise, biological, physical and ergonomic hazards. Cindy was appointed by former Michigan Governor Engler to the MIOSHA Board of Health and Safety Compliance and Appeals, on which she continues to serve. She is currently the Secretary-Elect for the American Industrial Hygiene Association. She also served as a Board of Director for AIHA the previous three years. She is the current chair for the Industrial Hygiene Division of the Michigan Safety Conference.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $20.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $40.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Needlesticks: Prevention & Post Exposure
with Cindy Ostrowski, Certified Industrial Hygienist
Approved for 1 CEU for AFC Administrators and Licensees
1 CEU for Nursing Home Administrators
Available on CD
Needlestick injuries and other sharps-related injuries which expose workers to bloodborne pathogens continue to be an important public health concern. Workers in many different occupations are at risk of exposure to bloodborne pathogens, including Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and HIV/AIDS. Information will be presented on prevention of needlesticks. Actions to be taken following a needlestick injury that includes a review of the MIOSHA bloodborne pathogen standard will also be discussed during the self-study.
Cindy Ostrowski is a certified industrial hygienist who established her own consulting firm, CAO Consulting. She has twenty years experience in the field of industrial hygiene which includes indoor air quality investigations. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Occupational and Environmental Health from Wayne State University. As an industrial hygienist, Cindy evaluates and controls occupational hazards, which include chemical, noise, biological, physical and ergonomic hazards. Cindy was appointed by former Michigan Governor Engler to the MIOSHA Board of Health and Safety Compliance and Appeals, on which she continues to serve. She is currently the Secretary-Elect for the American Industrial Hygiene Association. She also served as a Board of Director for AIHA the previous three years. She is the current chair for the Industrial Hygiene Division of the Michigan Safety Conference.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $20.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $40.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Strategies to Minimize or Reduce Employee Absenteeism During the Flu Season
with Cindy Ostrowski, Certified Industrial Hygienist
Approved for 1 CEU for AFC Administrators and Licensees
1 CEU for Nursing Home Administrators
Available on CD
This self-study presents information on flu season readiness, including: visitor policy, when to send an employee home (including the kitchen staff), when to isolate a resident, providing vaccines to staff, residents, volunteer and family members, sponsoring vaccine clinics, training and re-training tips on hand washing, effectiveness of masks, special cleaning precautions, and how to support staff who show up for work and cover extra shifts.
Cindy Ostrowski is a certified industrial hygienist who established her own consulting firm, CAO Consulting. She has twenty years experience in the field of industrial hygiene which includes indoor air quality investigations. She holds a Masters of Science degree in Occupational and Environmental Health from Wayne State University. As an industrial hygienist, Cindy evaluates and controls occupational hazards, which include chemical, noise, biological, physical and ergonomic hazards. Cindy was appointed by former Michigan Governor Engler to the MIOSHA Board of Health and Safety Compliance and Appeals, on which she continues to serve. She is currently the Secretary-Elect for the American Industrial Hygiene Association. She also served as a Board of Director for AIHA the previous three years. She is the current chair for the Industrial Hygiene Division of the Michigan Safety Conference.
Seminar Costs:
- MALA Members: $20.00
- Non-members of MALA: $40.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Food Safety and Sanitation Hot Buttons
with Nancy Geik, RD, Gordon Food Service
Approved for 2 CEUs for AFC Licensees and Administrators and 2 CEUs for Nursing Home Administrators.
Available on CD
Learn the most important factors that contribute to food borne illness as well as the most "out of compliance" risk factors as seen in food service operations. Learn to prevent cross contamination in the kitchen. Identify symptoms that require a food service worker to be excluded from the workplace and review procedures that prevent the transmission of infections.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $50.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $100.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Building Teams: Reducing Workplace Gossip
with Brenda Roberts, MALA Director of Quality Assurance and Education
Approved for 2 CEUs for AFC Licensees and Administrators and 2 CEUs for Nursing Home Administrators.
Available on CD
Gossip decreases productivity and creativity. It distracts people from their work, creates dividers between those who work together and compromises customer service. Learn strategies that will create a positive work environment and techniques to challenge staff to reach new heights by eliminating gossip, complaining and destructive communication.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $50.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $100.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
2009 Revisions to the FMLA and ADA
Approved for 2 CEU for AFC Licensees and Administrators
Available only on DVD
This self-study provides an overview of the major changes to the Amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Family and Medical Leave Act which went into effect in January 2009. Practical strategies are included to assist employers in complying with these federal laws.
The DVD training seminar is approximately two hours in length and includes extensive written materials. The written materials alone are invaluable and include more than 200 pages of technical assistance for employers.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $80.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $110.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Protecting Your Assets Through Proper Insurance Decisions
Approved for 2 CEU for AFC Licensees and Administrators
Available as a printed document
Insurance is a complicated and critical part of your risk management program designed to protect the assets of your organization and you personally. The purpose of this self-study is to provide an overview of the various types of insurance to consider as a provider.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $50.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $70.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Complying with Wage and Hour Regulations
Approved for 2 CEUs for AFC Licensees and Administrators and 2 CEUs for Nursing Home Administrators.
Available as a printed document
This self-study provides an overview of state and federal laws relating to minimum wage and overtime, including a detailed discussion of rules relating to recordkeeping, overtime compensation, employee meals, breaks, travel time, sleep-time, salaried exemptions live-in employees and much more.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $50.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $70.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Preventing and Defusing Workplace Violence
Approved for 3 CEUs for AFC Licensees and Administrators and 3 CEUs for Nursing Home Administrators.
Available as a printed document
In this self-study you will learn how large of a problem workplace violence is, how to recognize warning signs of potentially violent behavior, intervention techniques, security measures, policies and procedures. Sample policies and forms are provided in the reference materials included.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $75.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $105.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Fire Safety
with Gary Smith, Manager of the Loss Prevention Department Citizens Management, Inc.
Approved for 1 CEU for AFC Licensees and Administrators.
Available on CD
In this self-study participants will learn fire prevention techniques specific to the Assisted Living Industry. We will also talk about Life Safety Codes which are designed to make sure occupants can safely exit a facility in the event of an emergency. Areas of emphasis will include: smoking policies especially around trash; oxygen storage and precautions; emergency lighting; fire and carbon monoxide detectors; fire extinguishers; electrical systems and dryer vents.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $35.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $70.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Social Networking
with Rebecca Sweeton, owner of Out of Sight Designs>
Approved for 1 CEU for AFC Licensees and Administrators.
Available via email or CD
You've heard of blogging. You've heard of Facebook. And you've definitely heard of Twitter, but where do you start with all of it? Is blogging and social networking right for your company? Where do you get started? In this self-study, you will be introduced to blogging platforms, RSS feeds, etiquette and more. In addition, you will find out how Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Flickr, and LinkedIn can be used to meet your online marking needs.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $35.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $70.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
The Role of the Responsible Agency:
For Both AFC & HFA Providers
with Tom McWhorter, Program Specialist, Division of Adult Foster Care and Homes For the Aged, Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing
Approved for 1 CEU for AFC Licensees and Administrators
Available via email or CD
MI Choice Waiver Providers as well CMH Contract Providers have a "Responsible Agency." In this self-study participants will learn the licensing requirements for AFC and HFA in relationship to the Responsible Agency.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $35.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $70.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Steps to a Healthier You
with Jeff Short, ARM, CSP
Approved for 1 CEU for AFC Licensees and Administrators and 1 CEU for Nursing Home Administrators.
Available on CD.
In this self-study participants will learn the Top 5 things to do to stay healthy. Studies have demonstrated that a healthy employee is less likely to be injured on the job, with fewer unplanned absences and usually recovers faster from a workplace injury than unhealthy employees. Learn how to eat healthier, calculate your BMI, understand the MYPRAMID food group recommendations and obtain timely and vital resources to implement a wellness program in your organization.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $20.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $40.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
A History and Overview of the MI Choice Waiver Program
with Elizabeth Gallagher, MPA, Waiver Program Manager, MDCH, Bureau of Medicaid Financial Management and Administrative Services
Approved for 1 CEU for AFC licensees and Administrators.
Available via email or CD
This self-study will provide an overview of the MI Choice Waiver Program. Participants will learn the MI Choice Waiver services and benefits available to residents in licensed settings. Also learn the Waiver enrollment process and waiting list priority.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $35.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $70.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Level of Care and Financial Eligibility for the MI Choice Waiver Program in Licensed Settings
with Elizabeth Gallagher, MPA, Waiver Program Manager, MDCH, Bureau of Medicaid Financial Management and Administrative Services
Approved for 1 CEU for AFC Licensees and Administrators.
Available via email or CD
This self-study will introduce participants to both the nursing home level of care determination and financial eligibility for the MI Choice Waiver program in licensed settings.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $35.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $70.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Medical Marijuana: Implications for Employers
with Sheryl Laughren, Attorney, Berry Moorman PC
Approved for 1 CEUs for AFC Licensees and Administrators
1 CEUs for Nursing Home Administrators
Available via email or CD
This self-study will provide an overview of the "Medical Marihuana Act" ("MMA") and explore the questions raised by application of the MMA to the workplace. For example, to what extent must an employer accommodate an employee who gives notification that they use medical marijuana pursuant to the MMA? May an employer with a zero tolerance or other substance abuse policy enforce that policy against a covered employee who tests positive for marijuana or must it disregard the test results? Do employers have to allow a covered employee to possess marijuana in the workplace?
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $35.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $70.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Building a Website
with Rebecca Sweeton, Out of Sight Designs
Approved for 1 CEU for AFC licensees and Administrators.
Available on CD
Does your organization have a website? If the answer is no, where would you start? In this self-study you will learn about common vocabulary, things to think about before getting started, and a brief overview of social networking. Participants will be encouraged to consider the purpose of their website and the target audience. In addition, participants will learn where and how to obtain a domain name and a hosting site.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar for members of MALA: $35.00
- To view the seminar for non-members of MALA: $70.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Preventing Slips Trips and Falls
with Gary Smith, Manager of the Loss Prevention Department Citizens Management, Inc.
Approved for 1 CEU for AFC Licensees and Administrators
Available on CD
This self-study will assist in promoting a safer work environment by training participants to understand how to prevent slip, trip and fall accidents. Participants will study the sequence of events involved in a slip and fall and techniques that can be employed to prevent them.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar for members of MALA: $20.00
- To view the seminar for non-members of MALA: $40.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Veterans Benefits for Assisted Living
with Kelly J. M. Quardokus, Attorney at Law with Chalgian & Tripp Law Offices PLLC
Approved for 1 CEUs for AFC Licensees and Administrators
Available via email or CD
Veterans Pension Benefits can provide additional monthly income for Wartime Veteran's or their surviving spouses who are age 65 or older. In general, applicants with low income and high medical expenses may be eligible for this benefit. Assisted living communities often provide care with daily living activities, which is often an allowable medical expense for this benefit and helpful in achieving eligibility for the applicant. Learn about the Veteran's pension program, eligibility criteria, the application process, and more.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $35.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $70.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
The Aging Ear
with Nan Asher, Executive Director, Michigan Association for Deaf & Hard of Hearing
Approved for 1 CEU for AFC Licensees and Administrators and 1 CEU for Nursing Home Administrators.
Available on CD
In this self-study participants will learn about the different types of hearing loss, commonly held myths, and different communication methods and assistive technologies used by people with all types of hearing losses. Learn how often the symptoms of untreated and undiagnosed hearing loss can mimic and look a lot like early state Alzheimer's related disorders.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $35.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $70.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Understanding Medicaid Spend Down in AFC and HFA:
Including Personal Care Supplement and State Disability
with Allen Adams, Policy Analyst with the State of Michigan, Department of Human Services
Approved for 1 CEUs for AFC Licensees and Administrators
Available via email or CD
In this self-study participants will learn about the Medicaid Personal Care Supplement for residents of adult foster care (AFC) and homes for the aged (HFA) that receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Participants will also learn how residents not receiving SSI may use AFC or HFA services to meet their Medicaid spend-down/deductible. Additionally, participants will learn about other personal care options such as state disability.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $35.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $70.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
The Art of Listening
with Al Arens President, Life Enhancing Programs, LLC
Approved for 1 CEU for AFC Licensees and Administrators and 1 CEU for Nursing Home Administrators.
Available via email or CD
The Art of Listening is a self-study that examines reasons listening is an underdevelopd skill. Participants will learn the characteristics of superlative listeners as well as different levels of listening. Barriers to effective listening will also be identified. Participants will also learn specific action steps to enhance their listening skills.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $35.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $70.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Preventing Back Injuries
with Cindy Ostrowski, CIH
Approved for 1 CEU for AFC Licensees and Administrators
Available on CD
This self-study will assist in promoting a safer work environment by discussing the risk factors associated with client/resident handling that contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDS) which include back injuries. Engineering controls will be discussed to eliminate these risk factors. Elimination of risk factors should reduce the occurrence of MSDS, thus reducing workers' compensation costs, improving product quality and boosting employee morale.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $20.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $40.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.
Accident Investigation & Risk Assessment
with Cindy Ostrowski, Certified Industrial Hygienist
1 CEU approved for AFC Licensees and Administrators and 1 CEU approved for Nursing Home Administrators
Available on CD
Investigating an incident is not just about reporting an injury after an accident. Incident investigation is a technique used to identify the root causes that led to an accident and the resulting injury. Root causes are usually a combination of circumstances, actions or problems that together result in accidents. Sometimes the combination can cause employees to make a poor decision that leads to an unfortunate incident. This self-study discusses how to identify root causes to eliminate or minimize future incidents.
Seminar Costs:
- To view the seminar with credit for members of MALA: $20.00
- To view the seminar with credit for non-members of MALA: $40.00
Register
To register online, click on the appropriate button below.