Greetings!

This message includes:
  • aTNA2CNA update from the Virginia Board of Nursing with the correct links to Credentia (not PearsonVue);
  • details on AHCA’s No TNA Left Behind test prep course; and
  • links to sign up for the Lunch & Learn webinars in July on the LTSS Screening process.

Sincerely,

April Payne, MBA, LNHA
Chief Quality & Regulatory Affairs Officer
Executive Director of VCAL
Virginia Health Care Association | Virginia Center for Assisted Living 
TNA2CNA Update:
BON Will Begin Accepting Applications
for the NNAAP Exam July 1, 2022
 
*Updated Links to Credentia*
 
The Virginia Board of Nursing (BON) updated its Temporary Nurse Aides to Certified Nurse Aides (TNA2CNA) webpage on June 28 with information that it will again be accepting TNA applications to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination beginning July 1, 2022.
 
On June 21, 2022 Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed the budget bill into law. The budget bill, which takes effect on July 1, includes an amendment which VHCA-VCAL advocated for clarifying that "temporary nurse aides practicing in long term care facilities under the federal Public Health Emergency 1135 waiver may be deemed eligible by the Board of Nursing while this waiver is in effect, and in the four-month period from the end of this waiver, to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination upon submission of a completed application, the employer's written verification of competency and employment as a temporary nurse aide, and provided no other grounds exist under Virginia law to deny the application."
 
Therefore, beginning on July 1, 2022 the BON will resume accepting TNA2CNA applications online via Credentia CNA365 through the E5 application route. Since February, Credentia, which acquired PearsonVue, has offered a new and improved nurse aide application process, a new method of testing, and provided more access to testing.
 
How does a TNA apply to take the NNAAP Exam?
 
To be considered for the NNAAP:
  1. the TNA must complete an application through the Credential CNA365 login; and
  2. the employer must provide written verification of the TNA’s competency and employment as a TNA. You can use this sample attestation letter.
 
CNA365® training materials for Virginia are available online at https://credentia.com/test-takers/va. This webpage has more information for test takers including a Step-by-Step Candidate Guide and the Virginia Nurse Aide Candidate Handbook (February 2022). The handbook will assist in increasing your awareness of what to expect during testing.
 
Other Notes
  • The facility may consider purchasing vouchers for the TNA to take the NNAAP. Vouchers expire one year from the date of purchase. Scroll to the "Purchase Test Vouchers tab on the Credentia test takers website. Note: The program code for the TNA2CNA applicants is for use by facility administrators and Directors of Nursing only.
 
  • As a reminder, CMS clarified in QSO-21-17-NH early last year that the four-month regulatory timeframe for completing the nurse aide training and competency evaluation requirements after hire will be reinstated when the blanket waiver ends and will start at that time. Nurse aides will have the full four-month period starting from the end of the blanket waiver to successfully complete the required training and certification, regardless of the amount of time worked during the time the waiver was in effect. Per QSO-22-15-NH & NLTC & LSC issued April 7, 2022, TNAs working prior to June 6, 2022 will have until October 6, 2022 to complete the state approved certification examination. If the candidate is unsuccessful on the exam, pursuant to regulation, three attempts are permitted in an effort to become successful. If the applicant is not successful in three attempts on the exam or prior to the expiration of the four-month regulatory timeframe (October 6, 2022), no further testing will be permitted for the TNA.
AHCA: No TNA Left Behind
TNA to CNA Test Prep
 
With facilities across the country feeling the workforce pinch, many are at risk of losing valuable TNAs if they don't become certified/licensed by October 6, 2022.
 
AHCA has partnered with Academic Platforms/CNAonline to develop TNA to CNA Test Prep as an alternative, shorter course in states that allow certification/licensing test challenges or accelerated training. It also serves as a refresher course for any TNAs who experience delays between traditional coursework completion and the exam.
 
The self-paced, 30-hour online study guide contains:
  • quizzes, audio book, and medical terms;
  • links to state competency skills; and
  • nurse/instructor support.
 
VHCA-VCAL Webinars on Medicaid LTSS Screening
 
Sign up for one of the Lunch & Learn webinars VHCA-VCAL is hosting in July to review the LTSS Screening process for nursing facilities and answer any member questions.
 
The information covered in in the webinar will be the same for each session, so you only need to attend on one date. These sessions are free, but advance registration is required.
 
Webinar: Medicaid LTSS Screening in Nursing Facilities,
Screening Restoration after COVID-19 Flexibilities
 
 
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