Long-term care; modifying certain restrictions on employment; modifying requirements for training and competency evaluation of nurse aides. Effective date.
The bill will take effect on July 1, 2024, granting time for facilities and the State Department of Health to adapt to the revised training structures and regulations.
The impact of SB370 is likely to be significant in addressing staffing shortages in long-term care settings by permitting facilities to onboard trainees more easily. With the possibility of utilizing non-certified individuals as long as they are enrolled in official training, the bill presents a potential solution to the challenges faced by many care facilities in maintaining adequate staffing. Moreover, SB370 sets forth updated rules regarding training programs, including curriculum requirements for the care of specific populations, such as Alzheimer's patients, indicating a focus on both the quantity and quality of training.
Senate Bill 370 (SB370) addresses long-term care services in Oklahoma by amending existing statutes to modify employment restrictions for nurse aides and the requirements for their training and competency evaluations. The bill allows for broader applicability regarding employment exemptions, thus enabling facilities to employ individuals who do not yet have full certification if they are enrolled in approved training programs. In addition, it stipulates a streamlined training and competency evaluation process for nurse aides, requiring a minimum of 85 hours of training, which includes both theoretical and practical components. Furthermore, it specifically exempts certain employment prohibitions for aides under defined circumstances.
Amid support for faster workforce integration into long-term care, there may be concerns regarding the adequacy of training provided to nurse aides under the new provisions. Critics could argue that the emphasis on reducing barriers to employment might compromise the quality of care if not managed properly. Furthermore, the bill's provisions that allow for temporary staffing solutions could raise questions about the competency of individuals providing direct care to vulnerable populations, which may require careful monitoring and regulation to ensure patient safety.