REGULATION-TECH

This bill establishes a new Certified Medication Aide Program to regulate individuals who assist with medication administration in long-term care facilities. It creates a certification process requiring applicants to be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma, and pass an examination administered by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. Facilities participating in the program must ensure a registered nurse is present at all times to supervise these aides and certify that hiring them will not replace existing nursing staff. The law also restricts certified aides from administering certain types of medications, such as controlled substances or injections, and imposes civil penalties on those who practice without certification.