Reminder: Keep Transitioning Temporary Nurse Aides Working Under the 1135 Waiver

Posted on September 15, 2022 by Anna Mowry

Nurse aides hired or who worked during the 1135 waiver have until Oct. 6 to be placed on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry.

Background

Last week, we reported that the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) requested a statewide waiver to extend the temporary nurse aide training program that is currently set to expire on Oct. 6. This was in response to a revised QSO 22-15 memo released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) last week.

If granted, the waiver process allows providers more time and flexibility to transition staff to be on the registry. While we wait for MDH to receive a response from CMS regarding the waiver request, it is essential to continue transitioning caregivers before the current Oct. 6 deadline.

Pathways to Become Certified

At this time, caregivers who were hired or worked under the 1135 Waiver must be successfully trained, tested, and transitioned to be on the registry by Oct. 6. 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.

Testing Resources

Don’t forget; there are only four weeks left for temporary nurse aides to take and pass the Knowledge and Skills Test to earn a spot on the Nurse Aide Registry.

• Find and register for a nursing assistant testing seat near you.
• Nurse aide candidates have three attempts to pass the Knowledge and Skills exams successfully.
• If slots aren’t available, sign up for a waiting list. Test sites may be able to open additional spaces due to demand.
• Visit the Nurse Assistant Training and Testing website for more information and resources.   

If you have questions or need assistance securing a test seat, please reach out to Anna Mowry, Director of Workforce Solutions at LeadingAge Minnesota.