The "Certified Medication Aide in Nursing Homes Staffing Support Act" addresses staffing shortages in New Jersey's nursing homes by allowing certified medication aides to administer medications to residents, a practice already permitted in 38 other states. The bill aims to alleviate the burden on existing direct care staff and improve care for nursing home residents, particularly in light of challenges exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It also introduces amendments to the certification process for nurse aides, personal care assistants, and medication aides, including new requirements for criminal history background checks to ensure applicants do not have disqualifying records. The Department of Health will cover the costs of these background checks, and the definition of "health care professional" will now explicitly include personal care assistants and medication aides.

Furthermore, the bill establishes minimum direct care staff-to-resident ratios, requiring one certified nurse aide for every eight residents during the day shift, and outlines specific staffing requirements for evening and night shifts. It sets new certification requirements for medication aides, mandating that they complete a Department of Health-approved training course and pass a standardized examination. The certification will be valid for two years, during which aides must complete continuing education. The bill also details the circumstances under which a medication aide's certification may be suspended or revoked and mandates the creation of a registry for certified medication aides, enhancing accountability and ensuring better care for nursing home residents.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 26:2H-83, 26:2H-84, 26:2H-85, 53:1-20.9, 45:1-28, 26:2H-12.2, 30:13-18