Rhode Island Suspends ACE Training School’s Nursing Assistant Program

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A nursing assistant classroom where students receive training and education.

News Summary

The Rhode Island Department of Health has suspended ACE Training School’s nursing assistant training program indefinitely due to serious regulatory violations uncovered during an unannounced inspection. The investigation revealed that the program coordinator did not meet necessary qualifications and the school lacked a comprehensive curriculum, threatening the quality of training provided to students. This move reflects the state’s commitment to maintaining high standards in healthcare education and ensuring public safety.

CRANSTON, RI – The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has indefinitely suspended the nursing assistant training program license of ACE Training School, Inc. following an unannounced investigation that revealed multiple regulatory violations. This decision was formally enacted on April 29, 2023, in response to concerns raised about the quality of training being provided at the institution.

The unannounced site visit took place on April 22, 2023, at ACE Training School, which is located at 815 Reservoir Avenue in Cranston. The investigation was prompted by a complaint lodged regarding the training program’s compliance with established state regulations. During the inspection, RIDOH uncovered several significant issues that led to the immediate suspension of the nursing assistant program.

One of the primary violations identified by RIDOH was the designation of the program coordinator. Regulations stipulate that this position must be held by a registered nurse, not a nursing assistant. Furthermore, the coordinator is required to possess a minimum of two years of nursing experience, which must include at least one year working in long-term care services. The failure to meet these essential staffing requirements raised serious concerns about the quality of education provided to the students enrolled in the program.

Additionally, investigators found that ACE Training School lacked a detailed course curriculum, which is another critical component mandated by regulatory standards. The absence of a comprehensive curriculum suggests that students were not receiving structured education necessary to prepare them for careers as nursing assistants, thereby potentially endangering public health and safety.

The investigation also highlighted that ACE Training School could not demonstrate adequate resources to provide the required practical experience essential for nursing assistant training. RIDOH asserted that these inadequacies in training and educational standards posed a significant risk of harm to students and future patients alike if the school continued its operations unregulated.

In light of these findings, RIDOH has indicated that they will initiate proceedings for either the revocation of the program’s license or other remedial actions against ACE Training School. This suspension marks a serious consequence for the institution, reflecting the state’s commitment to ensuring that all nursing assistant programs adhere to stringent educational and operational requirements designed to safeguard public health.

ACE Training School opened its doors in 2022 and has since been part of an essential workforce development effort aimed at addressing the growing demand for qualified nursing assistants in Rhode Island. However, the recent suspension places its future in jeopardy and raises broader questions about oversight within nursing assistant training programs statewide.

As of the time of publication, ACE Training School had not responded to media inquiries regarding the recent suspension of its nursing assistant training program license. The school’s lack of comment leaves uncertainties about its next steps and how it plans to address the violations identified by RIDOH.

This incident underscores the importance of regulatory compliance in the training of healthcare personnel and reflects ongoing efforts by the Rhode Island Department of Health to maintain high standards within the healthcare education sector. Ensuring that nursing assistants receive proper training is crucial not only for their career advancement but also for safeguarding the health and wellbeing of the patients they will serve in the future.