Sponsor Statement for HB 217

HB 217 gives the Board of Nursing the authority to oversee the training, supervision, utilization, and registration of Certified Nurse Aides.

There are some 2,800 Certified Nurse Aides (CNA's) working in Alaska's long-term care facilities and home health agencies. These aides provide care to Alaskans most unable to care for themselves, the ages and the infirm.

These Certified Nurse Aides work under the supervision of a nurse licensed by the Board of Nursing, performing only those duties specifically delegated to that nurse.

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (Federal) required that states establish Nurse Aide Certification programs for aides working in long-term care and home health agencies receiving Medicare and Medicaid funding. Since 1989, the responsibility for the Certified Nurse Aide program has been divided between DHSS, Division of Medical Assistance, Health Facilities and Licensing, DCED, Occupational Licensing, and the Board of Nursing.

This legislation delineates responsibility for oversight of Certified Nurse Aides clearly to the Board of Nursing. The Board of Nursing has been responsible for establishing minimum training standards, approval of training programs, and maintenance of the registry of Certified Nurse Aides.

However, the Board of Nursing has not had the authority to conduct investigations, order corrective measures, or remove someone from the Certified Nurse Aide registry when allegations of wrong-doing are made against a Certified Nurse Aide. This legislation will authorize the Board of Nursing to take appropriate action.

HB 217 protects Alaska's most vulnerable population by insuring that the people who care for them are properly trained and that oversight of that care is provided.