LeadingAge Maryland - 2023 - SB 370 - CNA GNA(2).p
Uploaded by: Aaron Greenfield
Position: FAV
1
576 Johnsville Road
Sykesville, MD 21784
TO: Finance
FROM: LeadingAge Maryland
SUBJECT: Senate Bill 370, Certified Nursing Assistants – Licensing Requirements and
Administrative Updates
DATE: February 14, 2023
POSITION: Favorable
LeadingAge Maryland supports Senate Bill 370, Certified Nursing Assistants – Licensing
Requirements and Administrative Updates.
LeadingAge Maryland is a community of more than 140 not-for-profit aging services
organizations serving residents and clients through continuing care retirement communities,
affordable senior housing, assisted living, nursing homes and home and community-based
services. Members of LeadingAge Maryland provide health care, housing, and services to more
than 20,000 older persons each year. Our mission is to be the trusted voice for aging in
Maryland, and our vision is that Maryland is a state where older adults have access to the
services they need, when they need them, in the place they call home. We partner with
consumers, caregivers, researchers, public agencies, faith communities and others who care
about aging in Maryland.
This legislation repeals the classification of a “geriatric nurse assistant” in favor of
“certified nurse assistant.” Under the bill, a certified nursing assistant must successfully complete
an approved nursing assistant training program and meet federal and state laws. The State Board
of Nursing is required to provide notifications to geriatric nursing assistants and nursing homes
regarding the changes resulting from passage of this bill, including updating the title of geriatric
nursing assistants on the renewal of a license. We support the intent and goal of this bill and
would also urge the Committee to identify a list of stakeholders who would be best poised to
fully evaluate and address this issue.
In light of staffing shortages across the State, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic,
nursing homes and struggle to secure sufficient staff. A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) is a
professional who performs crucial nursing tasks delegated by a registered nurse or a licensed
2
practical nurse. To become a CNA in most states, individuals must complete a state-approved
training program, complete a national and federally required examination, and complete a state-
mandated certification exam. A Certified Nursing Assistant is then allowed to work in most
healthcare settings including hospitals, long-term care facilities, and nursing homes. The state of
Maryland, however, has a unique credentialing system.
Maryland offers several levels and types of nursing assistant certification. Certified
Nursing Assistant is regarded as an entry-level credential for those who have completed training
programs and cleared background checks. The Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) credential is
regarded as the equivalent of the CNA credential issued in most other states. In Maryland, CNAs
are only allowed to work in licensed nursing homes for 120 days before they obtain the required
GNA certification. If enacted, Senate Bill 370 would alter Maryland’s credentialing system to
resemble most other states by replacing the classification of “geriatric” with “certified” nursing
assistant.
LeadingAge Maryland is invested in ensuring that professionals who are qualified to
deliver care in places that most need it, like nursing homes, are allowed a facilitated opportunity
to do so. The intent of this bill is to seek to remove the barrier of Maryland’s current two-
pronged nursing assistant credentialing system. It is also important that there is not undue burden
placed on current CNAs and GNAs in terms of any additional examination or training
requirements that might be implemented. LeadingAge Maryland recommends that as part of this
process, the Maryland Board of Nursing and other stakeholders be convened to fully evaluate the
current CNA and GNA certification processes to identify what changes would be necessary to
reach this goal. The changes suggested by this bill would no longer require a “geriatric”
classification for certified nursing assistants to work in comprehensive care facilities, because
CNAs in Maryland would then meet the federal requirements to do so. These changes may also
help out-of-state CNAs be qualified to work in Maryland nursing homes without the requirement
of additional certification. Introducing such changes is likely to be a step forward in addressing
the care-team staffing shortages that long-term care facilities and nursing homes are suffering
from.
For these reasons, LeadingAge Maryland respectfully requests a favorable report for
Senate Bill 370.
For additional information, please contact Aaron J. Greenfield, 410.446.1992
SB0370_FAV_LifeSpan, MNCHA, HPCNM_CNAs - Licensing
Uploaded by: Danna Kauffman
Position: FAV
TO: The Honorable Melony Griffith, Chair
Members, Senate Finance Committee
The Honorable Pamela Beidle
FROM: Danna L. Kauffman
Pamela Metz Kasemeyer
Christine K. Krone
410-244-7000
DATE: February 14, 2023
RE: SUPPORT – Senate Bill 370 – Certified Nursing Assistants – Licensing Requirements
and Administrative Updates
On behalf of the LifeSpan Network, the Maryland-National Capital Homecare Association, and
the Hospice & Palliative Care Network of Maryland, we respectfully support Senate Bill 370. The
purpose of Senate Bill 370 is to eliminate barriers and provide nursing homes with greater flexibility in
hiring individuals.
As you have repeatedly heard, Maryland is experiencing a healthcare worker shortage. The
nursing home industry has been hit particularly hard and has been cited in the Maryland Hospital
Association 2022 State of Maryland’s Health Care Workforce Report as having the highest future demand
for registered nurses and licensed practical nurses. This also holds true for the need for additional nursing
assistants, who are the backbone of the nursing home workforce. However, because of restrictions in
Maryland, nursing homes cannot hire certified nursing assistants (CNAs). Rather, nursing homes in
Maryland can only hire geriatric nursing assistants, which creates an additional hurdle in hiring.
It is unclear why Maryland is an outlier in this standard. Nationally, CNAs can work in all settings,
including nursing homes. Maryland requires that a CNA obtain an additional designation on his/her
certification. It does not require additional training requirements. Therefore, by eliminating extra steps,
CNAs will have the option to work in all settings, easing hiring. This will also help nursing homes that
border contiguous states not lose workers because of this restriction.
Removing unnecessary barriers in hiring benefits the continuum as a whole. Nursing homes have
had to limit admissions because of not having enough staff, which hurts the hospitals and other care
settings. Senate Bill 370 will align Maryland with other states and help nursing homes hire to ensure that
they can meet staffing requirements and provide quality care to residents. We urge a favorable vote.
SB 370- - Certified Nursing Assistants – Licensing
Uploaded by: Jane Krienke
Position: FAV
Senate Bill 370 - Certified Nursing Assistants – Licensing Requirements and
Administrative Updates
Position: Support
February 14, 2023
Senate Finance Committee
MHA Position
On behalf of the Maryland Hospital Association’s (MHA) 60 member hospitals and health
systems, we appreciate the opportunity to comment on Senate Bill 370.
Maryland hospitals are facing the most critical staffing shortage in recent memory. A 2022
GlobalData report estimates a statewide shortage of 5,000 full-time registered nurses and 4,000
licensed practical nurses. Without intervention, shortages could double or even triple by 2035.
MHA’s 2022 State of Maryland’s Health Care Workforce report outlines a roadmap to ensure
Maryland has the health care workforce it needs now and into the future.
Hospital data show nearly one in five—or 18.9%—of nursing assistant positions are currently
vacant.
1
Over the past year, Maryland hospitals worked together to address the high demand for
certified nursing assistants (CNAs) by creating an acute care CNA pathway. MHA is working
with the Maryland Board of Nursing and Credentia to create a standardized exam. The CNA
workforce can grow the nursing pipeline if proper supports are in place for career advancement
and administrative barriers are removed.
SB 370 would remove the distinction between certified nursing assistants and geriatric nursing
assistants. Currently the state requires an individual to have the geriatric nursing assistant (GNA)
certification in addition to a CNA certification to work in a nursing home or other long-term care
setting. These GNAs must comply with federal requirements for nurse aides working in nursing
homes, including passing the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAP) exam.
Based on our review of SB 370, the bill would not require a graduate of an acute care CNA
training program to take the NNAP. However, if this is not the case, MHA would not
support this legislation as doing so would place an unnecessary burden and potential cost
on those who want to work in settings other than a nursing home or other long-term care
facility.
Maryland’s NNAP examination requires a written test (or oral if needed) and skills test, which
can cost up to $105.
2
Maryland’s initial examination and CNA certification fee is $20.
3
The
1
MHA Workforce Survey – January 2023
2
Credentia. (October, 2021). “Maryland Nurse Aide Handbook.”
3
Maryland Board of Nursing. (November 28, 2019). “Schedule of Fees.”
2
federal requirements for training and examination were initially established to create a minimum
standard for the nursing home nurse aide workforce.
4
Maryland’s traditional CNA training
programs already emphasize skills more useful for the post-acute setting. Hospitals often must
retrain CNAs to thrive in the acute care environment.
The broad definition of a certified nursing assistant in Maryland statute is “an individual
regardless of title who routinely performs nursing tasks delegated by a registered nurse or
licensed practical nurse for compensation; and does not include a certified medication
technician.”
5
As such, hospitals rely on CNAs to support nursing staff.
We appreciate the sponsor’s attention to strengthening the health care workforce and look
forward to achieving sustainable solutions to support Maryland’s future health care workforce in
collaboration with the Maryland Board of Nursing and stakeholders across the care continuum.
For these reasons, we ask for a favorable report on SB 370 as long as graduates of acute care
CNA training programs are not required to take the national exam.
For more information, please contact:
Jane Krienke, Senior Legislative Analyst, Government Affairs
4
Office of Inspector General. (August, 2002). “State Nurse Aide Training: Program Information And Data."
5
§Health Occupations 8-6A-01
HFAM Testimony SB 370.pdf
Uploaded by: Joseph DeMattos
Position: FAV
TESTIMONY BEFORE THE
SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEE
February 14, 2023
Senate Bill 370: Certified Nursing Assistants – Licensing Requirements and Administrative Updates
Written Only Testimony
POSITION: FAVORABLE
On behalf of the members of the Health Facilities Association of Maryland (HFAM), we appreciate the
opportunity to express our support for Senate Bill 370. HFAM represents skilled nursing centers and
assisted living communities in Maryland, as well as associate businesses that offer products and services
to healthcare providers. Our members provide services and employ individuals in nearly every jurisdiction
of the state.
Senate Bill 370 repeals references to “geriatric nursing assistant” (GNA) and replaces them with certified
nursing assistant (CNA). The bill alters the definition of “CNA” to specify that a CNA has successfully
completed an “approved nursing assistant training program. The definition of “approved nursing assistant
training program” is altered to mean a course of training that meets the basic nursing assistant curriculum
required under federal and State law.
The Maryland State Board of Nursing (MBON) is required to notify GNAs regarding the changes resulting
from this legislation’s passage, update GNA to CNA on licensure renewals, update regulations in
consultation with the Office of Health Care Quality, and notify nursing homes that they are permitted to
employ MBON-certified CNAs who successfully complete an approved nursing assistant training program
without the designation of GNA to perform delegated tasks.
In Maryland and throughout the country, we are facing a shortage of healthcare workers across settings,
with particularly fewer people working in skilled nursing and rehabilitation centers. Workforce
recruitment and retention was a challenge before the pandemic and it has only grown more challenging.
Licensed healthcare professionals are scarce and all healthcare settings are competing for employees from
the same labor pool.
To become a CNA in most states, an individual must complete a state-approved training program, take a
federal exam, and complete a state certification exam. Once a licensed, the CNA may work in most
healthcare settings including both hospitals and nursing homes. However, in order to work in a Maryland
nursing home, an individual must complete an additional certification step to become a licensed GNA.
This legislation will eliminate the extra step for nursing assistants to work in a Maryland nursing home.
CNAs will be able to work in all healthcare settings and this legislation will broaden the pool of qualified
applicants for positions in nursing homes. Additionally, it will allow out of state CNAs to be qualified to
work in a Maryland nursing home without additional certification.
HFAM Testimony - Senate Bill 370
February 14, 2023
Page 2
These changes will be help address the staffing shortages faced by Maryland nursing homes. Nursing
assistants are truly the backbone of the nursing home workforce – they keep things running smoothly and
provide quality care to residents and patients. Removing barriers to entry for nursing assistants in long-
term care settings is a critical and important step we can take now that will help with the ongoing
workforce shortage.
For these reasons, we request a favorable report from the Committee on Senate Bill 370.
Submitted by:
Joseph DeMattos, Jr.
President and CEO
(410) 290-5132
SB370 CNA.pdf
Uploaded by: Pamela Beidle
Position: FAV
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Committee
on
Management
of
Public
Funds
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Anne
Arundel
Counry
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THE
SENATE
OF MARYLANI)
AxNlpous,
MARvLAND
21401
SB
370
Certified
Nursing
Assistants
-
Licensing
Requirements
&
Administrative
Updates
Good
Afternoon
Chair
Griffith,
Vice
Chair
Klausmeier
and
Members
of Finance;
Thank
you
for
the
opportunity
to
present
Senate
Bill
370,
Certified
Nursing
Assistants
-
Licensing
Requirements
& Administrative
Updates.
This
bill
seeks
to
address
a critical
issue
that
has
been
a
theme
for
this
legislative
session
-
the healthcare
worker
shortage.
As
a member
of the
Oversight
Committee
on
Quality
Care in
Nursing
Homes
and Assisted
Living
as
well
as
the Commission
to Study
the
Health
Care
Workforce
Crisis
in Maryland,
we
have
repeatedly
heard
the
difficulties
nursing
homes
experience
hiring
staff, ultimately,
forcing
them
to rely
on
more
expensive
nurse
staffing
agencies.
This
issue
simply
doesn't
affect
the
nursing
homes;
it
affects
all
other
settings.
For
exampte,
hospitals
have
reported
that
patients
are staying
in
the hospitals
longer
because
nursing
homes
cannot
staff
all their
beds'
This
affects
our
ability
to be
successful
in
controlling
costs
under
our
All Payor
Waiver.
ln
order
to
ensure
that
nursing
homes
can
be
appropriately
and
adequately
staffed,
we
must
eliminate
any
barriers.
One
such
barrier
is
the
ability
or inability
for
nursing
homes
to
employ
certified
nursing
assistants
(known
as
CNAs).
Nationally,
CNAs
can work
in
all settings.
However,
Maryland
is
the
onlv
state
that
does
not
allow
a CNA
to
work
in a nursing
home.
Rather,
to work
in
a nursing
home,
Maryland
requires
an individualto
be a
geriatric
nursing
assistant,
which
can
be
viewed
as
an "add-on"
to
the
certification
for
a nursing
assistant.
lf
all other
states
allow
CNAs
to work
in
nursing
homes,
shouldn't
Maryland?
Senate
Bill
370 makes
necessary
changes
to
allow
CNAs
to work
in nursing
homes,
it
does
not
reduce
training
requirements
for
those
working
in
nursing
homes.
Federal
regulations
require
that
those
who
work
in
nursing
homes
satisfy
certain
training
requirements.
ln
order
to be
approved
as
a CNA
Training
Program,
a vendor
must
comply with
these
federal
regulations.
The
emphasis
in
this
bill is
to remove
administrative
steps
that
accompany
this additional
designation.
The
hope
for
this
bill
is
that
it will
create
fluidity
for
the
worker
to
be able
to move
between
health
care
settings,
increase
the workforce
that nursing
homes
can hire
and hopefully
stop
individuals
from
leaving
Maryland
to
go
to
work in
neighboring
states.
I respectfully
request
a favorable
vote
on
SB 370.
MSCAN - SB 370 - CNAs - FAV[75].pdf
Uploaded by: Sarah Miicke
Position: FAV
MSCAN
AARP Maryland
Alzheimer’s
Association,
Maryland Chapters
Baltimore Jewish
Council
Catholic Charities
Central Maryland
Ecumenical Council
Church of the Brethren
Episcopal Diocese of
Maryland
Housing Opportunities
Commission of
Montgomery County
Jewish Community
Relations Council of
Greater Washington
Lutheran Office on
Public Policy in
Maryland
Maryland Association of
Area Agencies on Aging
Maryland Catholic
Conference
Mental Health
Association of Maryland
Mid-Atlantic LifeSpan
National Association of
Social Workers,
Maryland Chapter
Presbytery of Baltimore
The Coordinating
Center
MSCAN Co-Chairs:
Carol Lienhard
Sarah Miicke
410-542-4850
Maryland Senior Citizens Action Network
SB 370
Certified Nursing Assistants – Licensing Requirements and Administrative
Updates
Senate Finance Committee
February 14, 2023
SUPPORT
The Maryland Senior Citizens Action Network (MSCAN) is a statewide coalition of
advocacy groups, service providers, faith-based and mission-driven organizations
that supports policies that meet the housing, health and quality of care needs of
Maryland's low and moderate-income seniors.
MSCAN supports SB 370, which removes the “Geriatric Nursing Assistant”
distinction and replaces it with “Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)” and specifies that
CNAs have successfully completed an approved nursing assistant training program.
Maryland is an outlier by having a Geriatric credentialing in addition to
the Certified Nursing Assistant certification. In most states, in order to
become a CNA, a person completes a state-approved course, a federally required
examination, and a state-mandated certification exam. Once someone completes
those requirements, they are able to work in a variety of health care settings,
including nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Maryland is unique in that it
requires an additional examination and certification – Geriatric Nursing Assistant –
to work in comprehensive senior care centers. This creates an additional hurdle for
nursing homes and assistant living facilities trying to hire staff. SB 370 puts
Maryland’s nursing assistant credentialing system in line with other states.
SB 370 will help to alleviate the staffing shortages for nursing assistants
across the state. Particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, nursing homes
and other senior care centers have struggled to maintain sufficient staffing to care
for older adults. Removing the additional hurdle for nursing assistants to obtain
their Geriatric certification will open up the number of nursing assistants in the pool
for staffing. Additionally, it would allow out-of-state CNAs to be qualified to work in
Maryland nursing homes and assisted living facilities without having to complete
additional certifications. Ultimately, allowing CNAs to work in nursing care facilities
will increase the number of qualified staff able to assist and care for seniors and
older adults in health care settings in Maryland.
For the reasons stated above, MSCAN urges a favorable report on SB 370.
Thank you for your consideration.
8 - SB 370 - FIN - MBON - LOSWA.docx.pdf
Uploaded by: State of Maryland (MD)
Position: FWA
February 14, 2023
The Honorable Melony Griffith
Chair, Senate Finance Committee
3 East Miller Senate Office Building
Annapolis, MD 21401-1991
RE: SB 370 – Certified Nursing Assistants – Licensing Requirements and Administrative
Updates – Letter of Support with Amendments
Dear Chair Griffith and Committee Members:
The Maryland Board of Nursing (the Board) respectfully submits this letter of support with
amendments for Senate Bill (SB) 370 – Certified Nursing Assistants – Licensing Requirements
and Administrative Updates. This bill requires a certified nursing assistant to successfully
complete an approved nursing assistant training program meeting certain requirements; requires
the State Board of Nursing to provide certain notifications to geriatric nursing assistants and
nursing homes regarding the provisions of this Act; and requires the Board to update the title of
geriatric nursing assistants on the renewal of a license.
The Board believes the intent of this bill is to increase the front line/direct care nursing
workforce. By consolidating the role of a certified nursing assistant (CNA) to one designation,
individuals will have greater flexibility in moving between different acute and long – term health
care settings. This would allow individuals to acquire experience in assisting patients with
differing and complex health care needs. The Board additionally believes this bill will assist in
the portability of nursing assistants within and outside the state of Maryland.
A certified nursing assistant (CNA) is a staff member of a patient’s healthcare team that performs
important patient – centered tasks under the supervision of licensed nursing staff. Responsibility
of a certified nursing assistant can include: assisting patients with activities of daily living,
serving meals and assisting patients with eating, lifting and moving patients, taking vital signs,
facilitating patient care, providing companionship, etc. The national landscape for CNAs allows
flexibility to work in the hospital, long – term residential facility, nursing home, rehabilitation
center, adult daycare center, and clinical facility settings. In the state of Maryland, however, this
flexibility is not afforded under Maryland Health Occupations Article Subtitle 6A – Certification
of Nursing Assistants, Dialysis Technicians, and Medication Technicians.
The role of a nursing assistant in Maryland is currently classified into two (2) designations: (1)
the certified nursing assistant certification and (2) the geriatric nursing assistant (GNA)
certification. A certified nursing assistant is defined as an “individual who routinely performs
nursing tasks delegated by a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) for
------------------------------
4140 Patterson Avenue Baltimore, MD 21215-2254 Toll free: (888) – 202 – 9861; Local: (410) – 585 - 1900
compensation
1
”. An individual applying for a certified nursing assistant certification must: (1)
successfully complete a Board approved training program; (2) successfully pass an objective
final examination; and (3) demonstrate the ability to competently perform assistive nursing
functions
23
. The certification of a CNA, as it is currently written in statute, does not meet federal
requirements. As such, CNAs are only authorized to practice in the acute care setting (i.e.
hospital, inpatient environment).
A geriatric nursing assistant (GNA), in contrast, is defined as a “certified nursing assistant who
has successfully completed the requirements for a GNA set forth in federal regulations 42 CFR
§§483.151—483.156 and COMAR 10.07.02.39—.42 (Nursing Home)”. An individual applying
for a geriatric nursing assistant certification must: (1) attend a federally approved geriatric
nursing assistant training program; (2) pass the nationally recognized skills and certification
exam; and (3) register on the Maryland Geriatric Nursing Assistant Registry. This designation, as
it is currently written in statute, meets federal requirements. As such, GNAs are authorized to
practice in all acute and long – term care settings (i.e. nursing homes, assisted living facilities,
etc.).
The Board believes the following amendments are critical in providing a seamless transition for
employers and employees who are interested in consolidating the nursing assistant designation.
On page 3. Lines 28 – 29. Add Language:
(1) MEETS THE [basic nursing assistant curriculum REQUIRED] REQUIREMENTS
UNDER FEDERAL AND STATE LAW;
On pages 4 and 5. Line 26; Lines 1 – 4. Remove Language:
(1) Means an individual regardless of title who ROUTINELY [routinely]:
(I) [ROUTINELY] performs nursing tasks delegated by a registered nurse or licensed practical
nurse for compensation; and
[(II) HAS SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED AN APPROVED NURSING ASSISTANT
TRAINING PROGRAM]
On page 5. After Line 15. Add Language:
(O) “NURSING ASSISTANT COMPETENCY EVALUATION” MEANS AN
EXAMINATION APPROVED BY THE BOARD THAT:
(1) DETERMINES THE COMPETENCY OF AN INDIVIDUAL TO PRACTICE
AS A NURSING ASSISTANT; AND
(2) MEETS THE REQURIEMENTS MANDATED UNDER FEDERAL LAW.
3
COMAR 10.39.02.08 – Evaluation. http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/comarhtml/10/10.39.02.08.htm
2
COMAR 10.39.02.07 – Training Program. http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/comarhtml/10/10.39.02.07.htm
1
COMAR 10.39.01.01 – Definitions. http://www.dsd.state.md.us/comar/comarhtml/10/10.39.01.01.htm
On page 5. Lines 25 – 31. Add and Remove Language:
(1) Content consistent with State licensing requirements in the Health – General Article and all
federal requirements; AND
(2) All basic skills required of a nursing assistant regardless of the setting of the practice [; and
(3) Any skills required for certification in a specific category].
(d) Any additional clinical practice skills OR KNOWLEDGE specific to a setting of practice
shall be taught in that setting as part of the employment training process in that setting,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE SETTINGS OF SCHOOL HEALTH AND
DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES ADMINISTRATION.
On page 6. Lines 3 – 6. Remove and Amend Language.
[(f) The provisions of this section may not be interpreted to impose additional requirements for
[geriatric] CERTIFIED nursing assistants beyond those required under federal law.]
[(g)] (F) The Board shall approve the use of a nursing assistant training site by a…
INSERT NEW SECTION § 8-6A-02. CERTIFICATION TO PRACTICE AS A NURSING
ASSISTANT, DIALYSIS TECHNICIAN, OR MEDICATION TECHNICIAN
(5) MEETS THE REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH UNDER 42 CFR § 483.35(d)(1)-(4);
[(5)] (6) Performs medication technician tasks as a student…
[(6)] (7) Performs dialysis technician tasks as a student…
[(7)] (8) Works as a principal or school secretary…
INSERT NEW SECTION § 8-6A-05. CERTIFICATES; RULES AND REGULATIONS
(a) The Board shall adopt regulations establishing:
(1) [Categories of certified nursing assistants, including geriatric nursing assistants, home
health aides, school health aides, individuals working in developmental disabilities
administration facilities, and medicine aides;
(2)] Qualifications for [each category of] certified nursing [assistant] ASSISTANTS,
INCLUDING MEDICINE AIDES;
[(3)] (2) Qualifications for certified dialysis technicians;
[(4)] (3) Qualifications for certified medication technicians;
[(5)] (4) Standards for qualification of applicants for certification, including the
applicant's criminal history, work record, and prohibitions against behavior which may be
potentially harmful to patients; and
[(6)] (5) Standards for the online provision of didactic instruction in a nursing assistant
training program that meets the requirements established by the Board.
(2) Requirements set by the Board under paragraph (1) of this subsection regarding qualifications
for certification as a [geriatric] CERTIFIED nursing assistant shall include provisions to
allow…
(vii) Be at least 18 years old to apply for certification as a medication technician.
(2) IN ADDITION TO THE REQURIEMENTS UNDER PARAGRAPH (1) OF THIS
SUBSECTION, AN APPLICANT FOR CERTIFICATION AS A CERTIFIED NURSING
ASSISTANT SHALL SUBMIT TO THE BOARD SATISFACTORY EVIDENCE OF
PASSING A NURSING ASSISTANT COMPETENCY EVALUATION.
[(2)] (3) Subject to paragraph (1) of this subsection, an applicant for certification as a certified
nursing assistant or dialysis technician…
[(3)] (4) An applicant for certification as a certified medicine aide…
[(4)] (5) An applicant for a certificate may not:
INSERT NEW SECTION § 8-6A-07. CERTIFICATES; NURSING ASSISTANTS. DIALYSIS
TECHNICIANS, MEDICINE AIDES, MEDICATION TECHNICIANS.
(2) Each certificate shall include:
(i) Any expiration date; AND
(ii) The type of certificate [; and
(iii) Any specific category of nursing assistant].
INSERT NEW SECTION § 8-6A-08. RENEWAL OF CERTIFICATES
(4) Provides satisfactory evidence of [completion of]:
(i) COMPLETION OF 16 hours of active nursing assistant practice within the 2 –
year…
(ii) If the nursing assistant did not complete 16 hours of active practice as required under
item (i) of this item, [an approved nursing assistant training program or an approved nursing
assistant refresher training program] ONE OR BOTH OF THE FOLLOWING as required in
regulations adopted by the Board in accordance with subsection [(m)] (N) of this section:
1. SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF AN APPROVED NURSING ASSISTANT
TRAINING PROGRAM; OR
2. PASSING A NURSING ASSISTANT COMPETENCY EVALUATION; AND
(5) FOR THE FIRST RENEWAL CYCLE ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2024, UNLESS
FORMERLY CERTIFIED AS A GERIATRIC NURSING ASSISTANT, PROVIDES
SATISFACTORY EVIDENCE OF:
(I) SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF AN APPROVED NURSING ASSISTANT
TRAINING PROGRAM; AND
(II) PASSING A NURSING ASSISTANT COMPTENCY EVALUATION.
(n)(1) The Board shall adopt regulations to specify [:
(i) The] THE circumstances under which a nursing assistant, as a condition of renewal, is
required to complete either an approved nursing assistant training program or [an approved
nursing assistant refresher training program] PASS A NURSING ASSISTANT
COMPETENCY EXAMINATION, OR BOTH[; and
(ii) The number of didactic instruction hours and clinical training hours the nursing
assistant training program or nursing assistant refresher training program must have to be
approved].
For the reasons discussed above, the Maryland Board of Nursing respectfully submits this letter
of support with amendments for SB 370.
I hope this information is useful. For more information, please contact Ms. Iman Farid, Health
Deputy Director, at (410) 585 – 1953 ([email protected]).
Sincerely,
Gary N. Hicks
Board President
The opinion of the Board expressed in this document does not necessarily reflect that of the
Department of Health or the Administration.
