Governor Whitmer Signs Legislation to Allow for Medication Aides

Great News!

HCAM is pleased that Governor Whitmer signed into law House Bills 4885 and 4923 to allow for medication aides in Michigan nursing facilities. The bills, which are now Public Act 273 and PA 274 of 2023, take immediate effect. These new laws represent a major milestone in an HCAM initiative that will offer providers a much-needed tool to help attract and retain a strong caregiver staff.

Under the new laws, medication aide applicants must demonstrate to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) that they hold a current nurse aide registration, have worked as a CNA in a skilled nursing facility for at least 2,000 hours during the two-year period immediately preceding application, and have successfully completed a medication aide training program at an educational institution and then passed a LARA-approved competency exam.

Med aides will pass only regularly scheduled medications. Med aides will not:

• Provide the initial administration of any medication. Only a nurse will do that.
• Administer PRN medications, which are those given as needed (not scheduled). A nurse will still make that determination.
• Administer any intravenous (IV) fluids or medications. Only a nurse will do that.
• Administer any controlled substances. Only a nurse will do that. Currently, controlled substances are prepackaged in a separate, locked compartment that is only accessible by a nurse, and that practice will continue.

Next Steps: LARA will now work to promulgate rules to implement the medication aide registry. This will include establishing curriculum and a state-approved competency evaluation. HCAM will work closely with the department and other stakeholders, including community colleges, to implement the legislation. The association’s goal is to have program available to CNAs by third quarter 2024. Questions? Contact HCAM’s Rich Farran.