MDH Requests a Statewide Waiver to Extend the Temporary Nurse Aide Program

Posted on September 1, 2022 by Anna Mowry

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has requested a statewide waiver to extend the temporary nurse aide training program that is currently set to expire on Oct. 6.

Background

On June 6, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) terminated a critical COVID-19 waiver allowing temporary nurse aides to serve seniors without being on the Nursing Assistant Registry. Individuals have four months starting from the end of the blanket waiver to complete the required training and certification. By Oct. 6., caregivers must be on the Nursing Assistant Registry.

CMS Releases Updated Guidance

In a revised QSO 22-15 memo released on Monday, CMS provided an update on a request process to extend the waiver deadline of the temporary nurse aide program. If granted, the waiver process allows providers more time and flexibility to transition staff to be on the registry.

• CMS may issue waivers if widespread barriers to nurse aide training/testing exist.
• The individual facility, county, or state can submit waiver requests.
• CMS will only grant waivers while the declaration of a COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) is still in effect.
• If the PHE ends during or before the approved waiver extension, the waiver also ends.

MDH Submitted a Waiver Request to CMS

MDH submitted a request to CMS for a statewide waiver requesting an extension of this deadline. If approved, this waiver will:

• Extend the deadline to Jan. 31, 2023, or until the end of the Public Health Emergency.

• Provide additional time for staff who work under the waiver to complete training and testing and be placed on the registry.
• Extend time for staff who work during the waiver to continue working.

Keep Transitioning Caregivers Now - Pathways to Become Certified

While we wait for MDH to receive a response from CMS regarding the waiver request, it is essential to continue transitioning caregivers before the Oct. 6 deadline. MDH provides three different pathways for this transition:

• Pathway 1: Enroll in and complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) and pass the exam by Oct. 6.

• Pathway 2: Enroll in a NATCEP training program, but take advantage of the MDH Transition Pathway. This pathway allows facilities to credit training received while working under the waiver towards the required 75-hour training. Individuals must still enroll in a NATCEP program to meet the training requirements. Training and testing must be completed and passed by Oct. 6.
• Pathway 3: Choose not to enroll in a NATCEP program, but challenge and pass the test before Oct. 6.