Greetings!
We received word today from the Board of Nursing (BON) stating that additional approval for the AHCA/NCAL Temporary Nurse Aide training course is not needed.
Many of you had asked whether Virginia approval was needed following the news that the CMS Blanket Waiver allows nursing centers to temporarily employ individuals who have completed alternative training paths, as long as they are competent to provide relevant nursing and nursing related services.
The response we received from the BON is as follows:
Taking into consideration the Federal waiver, testing closures, and 18 VAC 90-25-71, our understanding is that at the facility level alternate training to ensure safety to practice that meets the portion of the federal regulation
not
waived could occur. Additionally it is our understanding that the state does
not
have a role in approving the alternate training thus addressing the workforce issues and opening up alternate roles.
Here are quick links to ahcancalED to access the free training course and checklist:
Please note the federal requirements in §483.35(c) are still in effect, requiring facilities to ensure that nurse aides are able to demonstrate competency in skills and techniques necessary to care for residents’ needs, as identified through resident assessments, and described in the plan of care.
Sincerely,
April Payne, LNHA
Vice President of Quality Improvement | Director of VCAL
Virginia Health Care Association | Virginia Center for Assisted Living
