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HARRISBURG -- The state Senate Education Committee approved a bill last week that would allow temporary nurse aides hired during the COVID-19 emergency declaration to receive certification to continue working in the field.
At the outset of the pandemic, Pennsylvania authorized individuals to be hired as nurse aides on a temporary basis after they completed an approved eight-hour online training and passed a preliminary examination. Unfortunately, under current law these individuals will no longer be able to work as nurse aides once these temporary provisions expire.
Senate Bill 1268, sponsored by state Sen. Judy Ward, R-Blair, would amend the law to deem temporary nurse aides hired during the COVID-19 emergency declaration to have satisfied the necessary training and testing requirements to be certified to work as a nurse aide on a permanent basis.
Candidates would be required to complete the online training program and competency assessment, work a minimum of 80 hours as a nurse aide under the supervision of a licensed or registered nurse and prove competency by way of exam, certification or assessment.
"Many Pennsylvanians served admirably and compassionately as temporary nurse aides during the severe challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic," Ward said. "This bill recognizes their performance in nursing facilities under extremely difficult circumstances and provides a pathway for them to continue full-time employment."
The bill was sent to the full Senate for consideration.