ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Fifty-sixth Legislature

Second Regular Session

HB 2424: licensed health aides

Sponsor: Representative Willoughby, LD 13

Committee on Health & Human Services

Overview

Expands the definition of a licensed health aide and permits applicants pursuing a health aide license to allow their prospective employer to discuss their application with the Arizona Board of Nursing (AZBN).

History

A licensed health aide is a person who:

1) is licensed to provide or assist in providing nursing-related services authorized for long-term care;

2) is the parent, guardian, or family member of the Arizona Long-Term Care System (ALTCS) member receiving services who may provide licensed health aide services only to that member and only consistent with that member's plan of care; and

3) has a scope of practice that is the same as a licensed nursing assistant and may also provide medication administration, tracheostomy care, enteral care, therapy and any other tasks approved by AZBN (A.R.S. § 32-1601).

A person who wishes to practice as a licensed health aide is required to file a verified application on a form prescribed by AZBN and accompanied by a fee. Additionally, applicants must submit proof satisfactory to AZBN that they meet all of the following requirements:

1) is a parent, guardian or family member of an individual who is under 21 years of age and who is eligible to receive continuous skilled nursing or skilled nursing respite care services;

2) satisfactorily completed the basic curriculum of and received a valid certificate from a training program approved by AZBN that includes medication administration, tracheostomy care, enteral care and therapy for persons under 21 years of age, and any other tasks approved by AZBN; and

3) satisfactorily completed a competency examination approved by AZBN (A.R.S. §§ 32-1645 and 36-2939).

Provisions

1. Expands the definition of a licensed health aide to:

a) allow licensed health aides to provide routine ventilator care;

b) have supervision requirements that are the same as a certified nursing assistant; and

c) include a parent, guardian or family member by affinity or consanguinity of the ALTCS member receiving services providing licensed health aide services only to that member and only consistent with that member's plan of care. (Sec. 1)

2. Permits an applicant pursuing a health aide license to allow their prospective employer to discuss their application with the AZBN. (Sec. 2)

3. Makes a technical change. (Sec. 1)

6. ---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------

7. HB 2424

8. Initials AG/KT Page 0 Health & Human Services

10. ---------- DOCUMENT FOOTER ---------