Bill to better service at long-term care facilities passes Senate

PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — On Tuesday, the Senate approved a bill that would enhance the quality of service at long-term care facilities in Pennsylvania.

That bill, Senate Bill 668 , now heads to Governor Josh Shapiro’s desk to be signed into law. It was introduced by Sens. Judy Ward (R-30) and Maria Collett (D-12) and hopes to address the workforce shortage in nursing homes.

The bill would enable certified nurse aids (CNAs) to train to become certified medication aides (CMAs) and deliver common, minimally invasive prescribed medications to residents of nursing facilities. Currently, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses are the only authorized caregivers who can administer medications to nursing home residents.

“Today’s passage of this critical legislation means that long-term care facilities will have greater flexibility in how to staff their operations, enabling them to better care for their residents,” Ward said. “The creation of the position of certified medication aide will add to the career ladder of certified nurse aides and help our long-term care providers recruit the talented staff they need.”

The shortage, which existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, has only grown in recent years as health care professionals have left the field due to burnout.

CNAs would be able to complete a certified medication administration program established by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The program would include a minimum of 80 hours of classroom instruction, not including testing or instructor evaluation of competency, and 20 hours of skills and demonstration.

“As we continue efforts to reduce health care staffing gaps, we must ensure the dedicated workers we do have are empowered to provide the highest level of care possible,” Collett said. “Today’s passage of Senate Bill 668 represents a victory for Pennsylvania’s long-term care residents and the staff who work most closely with them. I was proud to work alongside fellow nurse, Sen. Judy Ward, to get this legislation across the finish line, and I look forward to seeing Gov. Shapiro sign it into law.”

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The certification would require renewal every two years.

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