Medication Aide Training Programs Now Available (SNF)
The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has begun approving Medication Aide Training Programs and registering approved CNAs to the medication aide registry. HCAM continues work with LARA and community colleges to implement training programs across the state. Medication aide applicants must demonstrate to 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 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 determine when those should be administered.
- Administer any intravenous (IV) fluids or medications. Only a nurse will do that.
- Administer controlled substances. Only a nurse will do that. Currently, controlled substances are prepackaged in a separate, locked compartment only accessible by a nurse, and that will continue.
You may find pertinent information on the medication aide program on LARA’s website. Select “Regional Training Programs” to find approved medication aide training programs. There are currently two approved programs:
- North Central Michigan College (Petoskey)
- Glen Oaks Community College (Centerville)
Questions? Contact HCAM’s Rich Farran.