Federal regulations (F728) require skilled nursing facilities to ensure individuals working in the facility as a nurse aide are competent to provide nursing and nursing related services and to have successfully completed the training and passed the competency evaluation program (are certified as a nurse aide) within 4 months of hire. There are no extensions or waivers permitted beyond this time frame. Practices such as terminating a nurse aide and rehiring them to “restart the clock” are NOT permitted.
A facility must not use any individual working in the facility as a nurse aide who is unable to achieve the certification within the four-month time. Individuals can perform other functions in the facility for which they are trained and competent to perform, however they are not permitted to continue working in the role of a nurse aide until they have successfully completed their certification.
Skilled nursing facilities may not charge nurse aides for the costs associated with nurse aide training and testing, including up to three examination attempts. Skilled nursing facilities may be eligible for reimbursement of these expenses. Additionally, nurse aides who received training outside a nursing facility, but are employed by a SNF within one year, may be reimbursed for costs associated with their certification. A CNA Training Reimbursement webinar was presented by MO HealthNet that explains the process.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Health Education Unit at CNARegistry@health.mo.gov or 573-526-5686.