Signed by Governor Tom Wolf

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that authorizes certification of temporary nurse aides during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Highlights:

• Authorizes the department to determine an individual as having completed their nurse aide training and competency evaluation program approved by the state if (Sec. 4):

• The individual successfully completed a training program and competency assessment authorized under the CMS COVID-19 pandemic waiver;

• The individual completed a minimum of 80 hours of temporary nurse aide or supervised practical nurse aide training, on-the-job training or regular in-service nurse aide education during the declared COVID-19 emergency under the supervision of a licensed or registered nurse; and

• The individual's competency has been established by one of the following:

• The successful completion of the state nurse aide examination;

• Certification by a site administrator responsible for assessing the individual's competency skills as part of an approved apprenticeship program; or

• Through an assessment in all areas of required nurse aide training by the hiring entity.

• Defines "temporary nurse aide” as a nurse aide who has been hired under the processes authorized according to federal and state waivers provided under the federal and state emergency declarations related to COVID-19 (Sec. 3).

Full Bill Text