An Act Concerning The Diagnosis And Treatment Of Urinary Tract Infections By Certified Nurse's Aides And Home Health Aides.
Impact
The passage of HB 5567 is expected to reduce unnecessary trips to emergency departments, which can often lead to trauma for elderly residents and create additional burdens on the overall healthcare system. This is particularly significant given that urinary tract infections are common and can be treated effectively without requiring immediate emergency intervention. By empowering certified aides to provide initial care, the bill aims to streamline the response to such non-life-threatening conditions and alleviate some of the pressures faced by healthcare facilities.
Summary
House Bill 5567 is designed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by allowing certified nurse's aides and home health aides to perform specific medical tasks. Under this bill, these aides can order and perform a clean catch urine specimen, conduct an urinalysis, and perform a culture and sensitivity test when a resident exhibits symptoms of a UTI and a healthcare provider is not available. Furthermore, they are permitted to administer the first dose of treatment for a UTI, contingent upon prior consent from the resident or their legal representative as well as a standing order from an authorized healthcare provider.
Contention
While the bill has received support for its potential to enhance care and efficiency within healthcare settings, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of training and scope of practice for certified nurse's aides and home health aides. Critics might argue that allowing non-licensed aides to perform diagnostic tests and initiate treatment could pose risks if not managed correctly. Thus, balancing the need for accessible healthcare with maintaining safety and standards of care could be a notable point of contention as discussions around this bill progress.