The Department of Health, Board of Nursing has given notice of an upcoming Rule Development Workshop. On July 1, 2023, a new law went into effect that amended Florida Statutes 400.211, 400.23, 464.0156, and 464.2035. Chapter 400 of the Florida Statutes regulates nursing homes and Chapter 464 regulates the practice of nursing.
The legislature created a new designation of “qualified medication aide” (QMA) for certified nursing assistants (CNA) who work in a nursing home and meet specified additional licensure and training requirements. With this new law, a nursing home is authorized to allow a registered nurse (RN) working in the nursing home to delegate medication administration and associated tasks to a QMA who is working under the direct supervision of the RN. Prior to the new law, CNAs were authorized to administer oral, transdermal, ophthalmic, otic, rectal, inhaled, enteral, or topical prescription medication to a patient of a home health agency or to a patient in a county detention facility. This new law has now authorized administration of the above medications and associated tasks by a QMA, except for rectal and enteral, to a resident in a nursing home facility.
In order to be designated as a QMA, a CNA must hold a clear and active certification as a CNA for at least one year preceding the delegation; complete 40 hours of training that consists of the six-hour training course currently required for a CNA to administer medication in a home health setting and a 34-hour course developed by the Board of Nursing (BON) specific to QMAs; and successfully complete a supervised clinical practice in medication administration conducted in the nursing home.
The Board proposes that the following Florida Administrative Code Rules will require amendment to implement the statutory changes:
Chapter 14: Delegation to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel
Rule 64B9-14.0015 Delegated Tasks
Chapter 15: Certified Nursing Assistants
Rule 64B9-15.001 Definitions
Rule 64B9-15.002 Certified Nursing Assistant Authorized Duties
Rule 64B9-15.0025 CNA Medication Administration
Rule 64B9-15.0026 Medication Administration Outside the Scope of Practice of a CNA
Chapter 16: LPN Supervision in Nursing Home Facilities
Rule 64B9-16.001 Definitions
Rule 64B9-16.002 Supervision by Licensed Practical Nurses in Nursing Home Facilities
Rule 64B9-16.004 Delegation of Tasks Prohibited
The Florida Health Care Association has submitted a proposed training curriculum for certification to become a QMA as well as suggestions for the revisions to the above Rules to implement the statutory changes. The submission can be found in the public book available on the Board of Nursing’s website along with the proposed agenda at the below link.
https://floridasnursing.gov/meeting-information/
The preliminary text of the proposed rule is not available.
The workshop is scheduled for Thursday, October 26, 2023, 9:00 a.m., E.D.T., or as soon thereafter as can be heard.
Toll Free Number 1(888)585-9008, Conference Room ID: 275-112-502#