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Minutes for HB2049 - Committee on Health and Human Services
Short Title
Changing the length of the nurse aide course required for unlicensed employees in adult care homes to 75 hours.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 8, 2023
Linda MowBray, President & CEO, Kansas Health Care Association and Kansas Center for Assisted Living, provided testimony in support of HB2049 (Attachment 1). The Kansas healthcare workforce crisis is one of the largest issues plaguing long term care. Moving the number of required hours from 90 to 75 for a certified nurses aide is in line with federal requirements and is a first step. On the job training goes far beyond what is taught in a CNA course, whether it is 75 or 90 hours. Nothing replaces first hand experience in learning how to assist individuals and meet their unique needs. With the passage of (2022) SB453 last session, additional organizations were given the ability to sponsor CNA courses. Ms. MowBray asked that long-term care trade associations be added as another option for training our much needed care partners. A definition of a trade organization was provided.
Ms. MowBray responded to questions from the committee.
Rachel Monger, President & CEO, LeadingAge Kansas, provided testimony in support of HB2049 (Attachment 2). The organization stands behind the philosophy behind reducing unnecessary licensure and certification barriers in Kansas, The CNA position was created in federal regulations by CMS with standards established to administer CNA training programs. CMS believes that 75 hours is a reasonable and safe number of training hours. Reducing the hours is a recipe for workforce development.
Andrew Wiens, on behalf of Opportunity Solutions Project, provided testimony in support of HB2049 (Attachment 3). Kansas is facing a workforce shortage. The healthcare sector, and long term care in particular, are in need of an abundant, stable and well trained workforce. CNAs are a critical component of healthcare services and a prerequisite for other health aide positions.
Haely Ordoyne, Legislative Chair, Kansas Adult Care Executives, provided testimony in support of HB2049 (Attachment 4). Ms. Ordoyne noted that most of our neighboring states align their CNA training with the federal requirement of 75 hours. The bill will make it easier for healthcare providers to employ staff coming from other states. Healthcare providers will need all available staff to remain operational and avoid the challenges those providers are facing with possible closures.
Ms. Ordoyne responded to questions from the committee.
The following provided written only testimony:
Michael Austin, Legislative Director, Americans for Prosperity (Attachment 5)
