PENNSYLVANIA — The Pennsylvania Senate approved Senate Bill 668 on Wednesday, legislation aimed at enhancing the quality and availability of service at long-term care facilities across the state. The bill was introduced by Sen. Judy Ward (R-30) and Sen. Maria Collett (D-12).
Senate Bill 668 proposes the creation of a certified medication aide position to address the workforce shortage in Pennsylvania’s nursing homes. This shortage predates the COVID-19 pandemic and has been exacerbated in recent years due to healthcare professionals leaving the field owing to burnout.
“The workforce shortage in long-term care continues to negatively impact the facilities, their health care professionals, and their patients,” Ward said. “By creating the position of certified medication aide, long-term care facilities can effectively recruit aspiring health care professionals by providing additional career advancement opportunities.”
The new legislation would empower certified nurse aides (CNAs) to train as certified medication aides (CMAs), allowing them to deliver common, minimally invasive prescribed medications to residents of nursing facilities. As it stands, only registered nurses and licensed practical nurses are authorized to administer such medications.
Under the proposed bill, CNAs could complete a certified medication administration program established by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, involving a minimum of 40 hours of classroom and clinical training. Upon completion, CNAs would be registered as CMAs, with the certification requiring renewal every two years.
“I’m grateful for our colleagues’ support in the Senate and encourage our partners in the House to send this legislation to the governor’s desk,” said Collett, who also highlighted the importance of empowering dedicated workers to provide the highest level of care possible.
Senate Bill 668 is now set to be considered by the House. It represents a concerted effort to address the longstanding staffing issues in the state’s long-term care sector, with its proponents hoping for a swift passage into law.
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