Oklahoma Senate Bill SB370

Oklahoma 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/7/23

Caption

Long-term care; modifying certain restrictions on employment; modifying requirements for training and competency evaluation of nurse aides. Effective date.

Impact

By allowing for the employment of non-certified nurse aides enrolled in training programs, SB370 aims to mitigate staffing shortages that have affected long-term care facilities, especially in light of recent disruptions. The bill mandates that potential nurse aides must complete their training and competency evaluations within four months and allows the state health commissioner to grant a one-time extension for this requirement under special circumstances. This flexibility is expected to make it easier for facilities to maintain adequate staff levels while still ensuring necessary training and competency standards are met.

Summary

Senate Bill 370 focuses on amending regulations governing long-term care in Oklahoma, specifically related to nurse aides. The bill modifies employment restrictions and training requirements for nurse aides, allowing more flexibility in hiring and training processes. It enables facilities to employ individuals who are in a training program but not yet certified, thereby addressing staffing shortages in long-term care facilities. The amendments aim to streamline the pathway for becoming certified as a nurse aide, granting them the ability to initiate their training immediately upon certification as opposed to awaiting additional checks and processes.

Contention

Despite its supportive objectives, SB370 may face contention regarding the potential lowering of standards for nursing care. Critics might argue that allowing non-certified staff to provide care, even on a temporary basis, could compromise the quality of care provided to residents in long-term settings. The regulations that permit temporary waivers for training requirements may raise concerns over patient safety and the adequacy of care, depending on the training environment and oversight provided during this time. Balancing these concerns with the urgent need for staffing solutions remains a crucial point of discussion.