Rhode Island Suspends Ace Training School License Amid Violations

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Nursing students engage in practical training for essential skills in healthcare.

News Summary

The Rhode Island Department of Health has suspended Ace Training School’s nursing assistant training program license due to severe regulatory violations. An investigation revealed that the program coordinator was unqualified and students were not meeting required clinical hours, raising concerns about public safety and education quality. Proceedings for revocation or other actions are set to begin, leaving the future of the school and its students uncertain.

Cranston, Rhode Island – The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has suspended the license of Ace Training School, a nursing assistant training program located in Cranston, due to serious violations that pose risks to public safety. The suspension follows an unannounced site visit conducted by RIDOH on April 22, 2023.

Ace Training School, which has been licensed as a nursing assistant training program since 2022, faced the suspension following a complaint that brought attention to several alarming issues. Reports indicated that the program coordinator was a nursing assistant and that students were not fulfilling the required clinical hours necessary for proper training.

Upon investigation, RIDOH confirmed that the program coordinator violated regulations by not being a registered nurse, as required by law. The regulations stipulate that the coordinator must hold a registered nurse license and have at least two years of nursing experience, including experience in long-term care. This discovery raised significant concerns about the level of oversight and quality of education being provided to the students.

In addition to the personnel issue, the investigation revealed that Ace Training School did not have a comprehensive course curriculum, which is another violation of the regulations governing nursing assistant training programs. Furthermore, the school was unable to demonstrate that it had the necessary resources to provide students with adequate practical experience in a clinical environment. This lack of hands-on training is critical for students who are preparing for careers in healthcare, particularly in nursing assistance.

RIDOH has made it clear that the institution’s continued operations would pose a risk of harm to the public. The department indicated that students in the program were not receiving the essential training and education mandated by Rhode Island General Laws and other regulatory frameworks. As a result, the license suspension will remain in effect until further determinations are made by RIDOH.

Furthermore, RIDOH announced that proceedings for either the revocation of Ace Training School’s license or other appropriate actions will commence promptly. The details regarding the future of the school and its programs now rest in the hands of regulatory officials who will assess the situation moving forward.

As of the time of publication, representatives from Ace Training School did not respond to requests for comments regarding the suspension. The future of the program and its students hangs in the balance as the investigation unfolds.

Background context reveals that Ace Training School has been a part of the educational landscape in Rhode Island for a short period, focusing on training nursing assistants— a role crucial to patient care in various healthcare settings. However, the recent findings highlight critical issues that could have far-reaching implications for students currently enrolled in the program and their potential impact on public health and safety.

RIDOH’s decision serves as a reminder of the importance of regulatory oversight in ensuring that educational institutions provide adequate training and maintain high standards that protect both their students and the clientele they will eventually serve.