Basic Life Support (BLS) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification Programs
Some Continuous Skilled Nursing (CSN) agencies require direct care employees, including family members of Community Case Management (CCM) members, to complete training and obtain a Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification. Agencies are often mandated by their accrediting organizations to ensure all direct care staff have their BLS and/or CPR certifications. This would include home health aides and complex care assistants. Please note, MassHealth does not oversee this requirement.
Below is a list of programs offering classroom-based and online training options to help you meet these certification requirements. For additional guidance or questions about selecting a program, and before signing up for a class listed below, please contact your CSN agency directly to make sure the class offering meets the agency’s employee requirements.
| Organization | Courses Offered | Format |
|---|---|---|
| American Heart Association | BLS, CPR AED | Classroom and Online |
| American Red Cross | BLS, CPR AED | Classroom and Online |
| SureFire CPR | BLS, CPR | Classroom and Online |
| CPR Classes Near Me | BLS, CPR | Classroom and Online |
Pediatric Palliative Care Network (PPCN)
Pediatric Palliative Care Network: (PPCN)-Managed by the Department of Public Health (DPH), PPCN aims to support eligible individuals, who are under 22 years old and living with a life-limiting diagnosis, and their families by providing unmet physical, social, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Adult Palliative Care Resources
Hospice & Palliative Care Federation of Massachusetts (HPCFM): HPCFM is a non-profit organization, founded in 1980, dedicated to advancing and promoting excellence in end-of-life care. Some members of HPCFM provide palliative care services for patients with life-limiting illnesses earlier in the course of their disease and who still may be in active treatment. The HPCFM website includes a directory to search for palliative care resources by town.
National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO): NHCPO is the nation’s largest membership organization for providers and professionals who care for people affected by serious and life-limiting illness.
Caregiver to Caregiver (C2C) Respite Network
The Federation for Children with Special Health Needs launched a new program in February 2024, called the Caregiver to Caregiver (C2C) Respite Network.
C2C Respite Network is a resource for families seeking respite whose children (age 0-26) need specialized support. Caregivers can request to receive and/or provide respite from another caregiver who has a child with special health needs. Caregivers apply to join the network and C2C will match families to one another based on:
- The child’s medical and support needs
- Where families live
- Language and cultural identities and preferences
Staff provide initial and ongoing support to anyone involved in providing and receiving respite. A virtual learning platform will enable caregivers to participate in trainings, discussion forums and other learning opportunities. Once caregivers have been matched to one another, check-ins will be provided at least monthly. C2C staff speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and Chinese.
Additional information can be found at https://fcsn.org/c2c/.
Department of Developmental Services
Department of Developmental Services: (DDS)-A Department within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) that provides supports to individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) – A department within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) that supports individuals living with disabilities and focuses on training and employment, community living, and disability determination for federal benefit programs.
In-School Nursing for CCM Members
Many CCM members who attend school require in-school nursing services to support their education. Additional information about this process and the options available for CCM members are included in the In School Nursing FAQ:
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