CERT MEDICATION AIDE PROGRAM

Amends the Medical Assistance Article of the Illinois Public Aid Code. Requires the Department of Healthcare and Family Services to administer and enforce a Certified Medication Aide Program and regulate certified medication aides. Provides that to be approved as a facility qualified to participate in the program, a facility must: (i) be certified and in good standing as a supportive living facility by the Department; (ii) certify that the employment of a certified medication aide will not replace or diminish the employment of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse at the facility; (iii) certify that a registered nurse will be on-duty and present in the facility to delegate and supervise the administration of medication by a certified medication aide at all times; (iv) certify that, with the exception of licensed health care professionals, only certified medication aides will be employed in the capacity of administering medication; and (v) provide information regarding patient safety, efficiency, and errors as determined by the Department. Requires the Department to submit a report on patient safety, efficiency, and errors, as determined by rule, to the General Assembly no later than 2 years after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Contains provisions concerning the scope of practice of certified medication aides; penalties for persons who practice as a medication aide without being certified; applications for original certification; examinations of applicants; application requirements; expiration of certification; and Department rules. Amends the Nurse Practice Act. Repeals provisions creating a Medication Aide Pilot Program. Effective immediately.