Connecticut Senate Bill SB01064

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/6/13
• Refer: 3/6/13

Caption

An Act Concerning The Administration Of Medication In Nursing Homes By Certain Nurse's Aides.

Impact

The implementation of SB01064 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws governing nursing home operations. By enabling nurse's aides to administer medications, the bill may improve efficiency in patient care and alleviation of nursing staff shortages. Furthermore, it aligns with current trends in healthcare that advocate for broader roles for nurse aides and unlicensed personnel, which could facilitate better resource management within nursing homes. However, the bill also underscores the importance of maintaining stringent oversight and regulatory practices to safeguard patient health.

Summary

SB01064 aims to enhance the delegation of medication administration in nursing homes by allowing registered nurses to authorize certified nurse's aides to administer certain non-injection medications. This legislative change is designed to streamline medication management in nursing facilities and alleviate some of the workload from licensed nurses, who are often juggling multiple responsibilities. The bill includes provisions for establishing certification requirements for nurse aides to ensure they are adequately trained to perform this critical function, fostering a higher standard of care for patients in these settings.

Contention

During discussions surrounding SB01064, concerns were raised about the potential risk factors linked to allowing non-licensed personnel to administer medications. Critics of the bill voiced apprehensions regarding the adequacy of training and supervision of nurse's aides, fearing that lapses in care or misadministration of medications might occur. Proponents countered that with proper certification and ongoing education, nurse's aides could significantly contribute to improved patient outcomes without compromising safety. This debate highlights the critical balance between expanding workforce capabilities in healthcare settings and ensuring patient welfare.