On May 15, Representative Derrick Van Orden (R-WI) introduced legislation aimed at addressing shortages of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) by expanding the number of qualified supervisors for CNA training programs. The bill, H.R. 3471, known as the Certified Nursing Assistant Workforce Improvement Act, would allow Registered Nurses (RNs) with a minimum of two years of nursing experience to supervise CNA training, regardless of whether their experience comes from working in a long-term care facility or another healthcare facility. Current regulation requires that RNs who train nurse aides possess a minimum of two years of nursing experience, at least one year of which must be in the provision of long term care facility services. CNA staff shortages are a great concern, particularly in rural communities. By eliminating the long-term care requirement, this bill will ostensibly make more RNs available to supervise the training of CNAs, which will accelerate recruitment. LeadingAge supports this legislation. 

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Kylee Childs
Kylee Childs, MSW, is the Director of Government Affairs.Since joining the association in 2023, she continues to be a fierce and resourceful advocate for aging services in Kansas. Her professional focus has always been service to others through advocacy. Kylee has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a bachelor's degree in criminology with a minor in Conflict Analysis and Trauma studies from Kansas State University, and a certificate in Grant Proposal Writing from Fort Hays State University. With a professional background in law enforcement and child welfare, and a successful 2023 legislative practicum with the Children's Alliance of Kansas, she brings rich professional experience to her role as Director of Government Affairs, and a front-line perspective on the needs of health and human services providers in our state. When not working, she's spending time with her two daughters. You can reach Kylee directly at 785.670.8051.