Changes Ahead for California CNAs? Here's What We Know in 2024

As a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in California, you play a vital role in ensuring the well-being of patients across healthcare settings. To keep the industry dynamic and maintain high standards of care, regulations are periodically reviewed and updated.

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While there haven't been any major regulatory overhauls announced specifically for CNAs in 2024, some developments might impact your practice. Here's a breakdown of what we know so far:

• Focus on Increased Wages: Assembly Bill 1739, signed into law in 2021, established a path towards a $25 minimum wage for certain healthcare workers in California. This includes nursing assistants, patient care technicians, and medical technicians in private non-profit hospitals. The exact timeline for reaching the $25 mark varies depending on the facility type. You can find more details and a helpful wage calculator on the California Department of Industrial Relations website (https://www.dir.ca.gov/).
  
  
• Potential for Expanded Practice: Bill AB 1474, introduced in February 2023, proposed allowing CNAs to perform specific delegated tasks under the supervision of a registered nurse (RN) in skilled nursing facilities. While the bill didn't pass in its original form, it highlights ongoing discussions about expanding the scope of CNA practice. Keep an eye on the California Legislative Information website (https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/) for updates on similar bills in the future.
  
  
• Continuing Education Requirements Remain Unchanged: As of now, there are no proposed changes to the current continuing education (CE) requirements for CNAs in California. CNAs must complete 40 hours of approved CE every two years to maintain their license. You can find a list of approved CE providers on the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians website (https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/Online-Continuing-Education-Providers.aspx).
  
  

Staying Informed:

The California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians (BVNPT) is the primary source for official information regarding CNA regulations in the state. Regularly checking their website (https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/Online-Continuing-Education-Providers.aspx) and subscribing to their updates ensures you stay informed about any changes or clarifications.

The healthcare landscape is constantly evolving, and California is at the forefront of implementing changes to improve patient care. By staying updated on potential regulatory shifts and continuing your professional development, you can ensure you provide the best possible care to your patients and adapt to a changing environment.

Sources:

• California Department of Industrial Relations: https://www.dir.ca.gov/
• California Legislative Information: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/
• California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CHCQ/LCP/Pages/Online-Continuing-Education-Providers.aspx