The Certified Medication Aide in Nursing Homes Staffing Support Act is designed to address staffing shortages in New Jersey's nursing homes by allowing certified medication aides to administer medications to residents. This legislation acknowledges the difficulties healthcare facilities face in recruiting and retaining qualified staff, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. By enabling certified medication aides to take on this responsibility, the bill aims to reduce the workload on existing direct care staff and enhance the quality of care for nursing home residents.

In addition to expanding the role of certified medication aides, the bill introduces new requirements for certification, including criminal history background checks with follow-up checks every two years, and establishes a registry for certified medication aides. It mandates that individuals seeking medication aide certification must first be certified as nurse aides, homemaker-home health aides, or personal care assistants, complete a DOH-approved training course, and pass a standardized examination. The certification will be valid for two years, requiring continuing education for renewal. The bill also outlines the conditions under which a medication aide's certification may be suspended or revoked, ensuring that safety and accountability are maintained in nursing home care.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2H-83, 26:2H-84, 26:2H-85, 53:1-20.9, 45:1-28, 26:2H-12.2, 26:2H-12.96