Greetings!

This message includes updated information from the Board of Nursing on the TNA2CNA pathway.

I also wanted to share two items we included in yesterday's in CareConnection:
  • what we know about the Biden Administration’s announcement about a nursing home vaccine mandate; and
  • a recording of yesterday's Lunch & Learn: Roundtable on Staff Vaccine Requirements.  
 
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 Is Again Accepting
Applications for the NNAAP Exam
 
The Virginia Board of Nursing (BON) has updated its Temporary Nurse Aides to Certified Nurse Aides (TNA2CNA) webpage with information that it is again accepting TNA applications to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP) examination.
 
VHCA-VCAL advocated for language to be included in the budget passed by the General Assembly in its most recent special session to resume the authorization for TNAs practicing under the CMS 1135 wiaver during the federal public health emergency (PHE) to be deemed eligible to take the exam.
 
As previously was the case, to be considered for the NNAAP, the TNA must first complete an application through PearsonVUE and the employer must provide written verification (attestation) of competency and employment as a TNA. (This PearsonVUE webpage has more info for test takers.)
 
An overview of the TNA2CNA process is outlined below:
  • Employer must provide an attestation to the BON stating the TNA has been deemed competent and is working at their facility as a TNA.
  • If the candidate is unsuccessful on the exam, pursuant to regulation, three (3) attempts are permitted in an effort to become successful. If the applicant is not successful in 3 attempts on the exam or after expiration of PHE CMS Waiver 1135 prior to success on the exam the TNA application will expire and no further testing will be permitted for the TNA.
  • The facility may consider purchasing vouchers through PearsonVUE for the TNA to take the NNAAP. Vouchers expire one (1) year from the date of purchase.
  • The candidate handbook provides information regarding the test and will assist in increasing the TNAs awareness of what to expect during testing.
  • The program code for the TNA2CNA applicants is for use by facility administrators and Directors of Nursing only.
 
The BON resumed accepting applications after August 10, 2021. 
Quick Links
www.vhca.org | (804) 353-9101 | Calendar of Events