relative to the position of certified assisted living medication aide and relative to the state loan repayment program for qualified nursing professionals, and making an appropriation therefor.

HB 1585 creates a new professional role called a Certified Assisted Living Medication Aide (CALMA) to administer non-injectable medications in residential care facilities under the supervision of a facility administrator. To become a CALMA, individuals must be at least 18 years old, work as employees in these facilities, complete a board-approved education program with at least 40 hours of training, and pass a certification exam. The bill also establishes a requirement for CALMAs to complete eight hours of continuing education every two years and ensures they have access to clinical consultants 24 hours a day. Additionally, the legislation appropriates $300,000 to fund a state loan repayment program for qualified nursing professionals and directs the Department of Health and Human Services to report on a potential student loan forgiveness program for nurses who do not qualify for the repayment assistance.