Authorize Nursing Home Medication Aides in this Year's Budget!

LeadingAge New York wholeheartedly supports the Executive Budget proposal to authorize certified medication aides (CMAs) to work in nursing homes.  CMAs are specially trained certified nurse aides (CNAs) who help to administer routine medications to residents under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN). CMAs would allow the state to mitigate the long-term care staffing crisis and strengthen the career ladder for nursing home staff. Approximately 38 other states already allow medication aides to work in nursing homes. In New York, the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) allows unlicensed direct care staff who receive advanced training to administer medications. It is time for New York to authorize the role in nursing homes. 

Offering the option for CNAs to receive enhanced training to become CMAs would enable them to earn a higher wage and take on advanced responsibilities. This role would also expand the nursing home career ladder and our long-term care workforce. It would provide a path for CMAs to pursue Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) training and licensure and would allow employed LPNS and RNs to focus on higher level clinical responsibilities.  This would result in greater job satisfaction for all nurses and aides, higher quality of care of residents, and a more collaborative, team-based approach to the care provided in nursing homes.

Medication aides are a no-cost strategy to expand and strengthen our nursing home workforce. CMAs can be trained relatively quickly, making this a measure that could have a significant impact within a short period of time.  CMAs would open opportunities for new workers and motivate current staff to aim for better positions. With new career ladder opportunities, aides would have stronger incentives to stay in the field and grow with it as well.

Enter your information below to write to Legislators TODAY, asking them to authorize the employment and training of Medication Aides in Nursing Homes in New York State. Feel free to amend this letter, via the text box, to include your organization name, title or any other personal perspectives.