Summary as Introduced
Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Changes the name of the Medication Aide Pilot Program to the Medication Aide Program. Makes conforming changes. Provides that to be approved as a qualified facility under the program (instead of for the duration of the pilot program), a facility must meet specified requirements. Removes provisions that provide that the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation shall submit a report regarding patient safety, efficiency, and errors, as determined by rule, to the General Assembly no later than 6 months after termination of the pilot program. Removes language providing that licenses under the Medication Aide Program Article may not be renewed or restored. Makes corresponding changes.
Staff Analysis
Amends the Nursing Home Care Act. Creates a permanent certified medication aide program. Defines "certified medication aide" and "qualified employer". Provides that the Department of Public Health shall administer and enforce a certified medication aide program. Provides that the amendatory Act shall not be construed as preventing or restricting the practice, services, or activities of: (1) any person licensed in this State by any other law from engaging in the profession or occupation for which the person is licensed; (2) any person employed as a medication aide by the government of the United States, if the person practices as a medication aide solely under the direction or control of the organization by which the person is employed; or (3) any person pursuing a course of study leading to a certificate in medication aide at an accredited or approved educational program if their activities and services constitute a part of a supervised course of study and if the person is designated by a title which clearly indicates the person's status as a student or trainee.