A CNA registry is maintained by each state showing the licensing information for certified assistants. This may be kept under health and human services, nursing registries or in a separate certified nursing assistant one. These searchable databases allow employers the opportunity to quickly check and make sure applicants have valid certification and whether they have any negative reports on their record.
To remain active on the CNA registry the nursing assistant is required to have worked within the past two years following certain federal guidelines. Individual states may have their own specifications and requirements, and will include any additional education requirements that the CNA needs to meet. Allowing a license to lapse for longer than six months may mean the student will have to take a new training course or test in order to reactivate the license. Ineligible on the certification indicates that the applicant will not be able to work in a facility in this capacity. Factors which are deemed to be hurtful to patients, such as abuse, theft or trying to defraud patients are common reasons for an ineligible status.
While most CNA training courses send the information into the state for the student to be placed on the CNA registry after passing their exam, some do not. Students may have to send in a copy of the transcripts and other information such as social security number, name etc. with a letter asking to be placed on the list. If your name doesn’t appear when searching the state website after passing the test, contact the state agency and find out what information is necessary to be added. People who have received their training through the military may need to request to be added.
The CNA registry only pertains to nursing assistants who are licensed in that particular state. When moving to a new state assistants will have to contact the new state licensing division and find out what is necessary to be added to their reciprocity list. This is generally not difficult and can be accomplished within a few weeks time, although each state has their own requirements. Some will allow assistants to work for a given length of time while waiting for their license to transfer.
An up to the minute CNA registry helps protect patients and employers from potential harm. Skills may become rusty without use, and the continuing education requirements help ensure that nursing assistants are up to date with health concerns and the use of new equipment. By maintaining certification assistants will be prepared to perform their duties to the best of their abilities.
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