Background
Pursuant to the Governor's Executive Order N-39-20 (PDF) related to the COVID-19 state of emergency, the Director of the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) may waive any of the professional certification requirements and amend scopes of practice of Chapter 2 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code (HSC) and accompanying regulations with respect to certified nurse assistants (CNAs). CDPH is temporarily waiving specified statutory requirements and suspending regulatory enforcement for NATPs and nursing facilities that provide instruction and training to nurse assistants (NAs) seeking certification as CNAs.
Due to ongoing circulation of more transmissible variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the continuing incidence of COVID-19 in California, and in compliance with Executive Order N-11-22 (PDF), the temporary waivers contained in this AFL have been extended until the end of the declared COVID-19 emergency.
Theory and Clinical Training
1. HSC section 1337.1(b)(1) and Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) section 71835(k): A NATP may provide the 60 required hours of classroom training through an online or distance learning format and may begin providing online or distance learning training immediately upon electronic submission of notification to CDPH.
2. Title 22 CCR section 71835(g) and (k): A nursing facility may conduct clinical training at any time of the day or night and on any day of the week and may implement an alternate schedule immediately upon electronic submission of notification to CDPH.
Staff Recruitment
3. Title 22 CCR section 71829(a): A nursing facility whose Director of Staff Development (DSD) has terminated employment may use a licensed nurse that meets the DSD qualifications to serve in this role without showing evidence to CDPH of recruitment efforts to replace the DSD.
In-Service Training
4. Title 22 CCR section 71847(h): A nursing facility whose in-service training is due for review and approval by CDPH is encouraged to submit timely but may delay submission of a renewal request until as soon as practicable, but no later than September 30, 2022.
The waiver for in-service training renewal will expire September 30, 2022.
5. Title 22 CCR section 71847(b): A nursing facility may provide annual in-service training through an online or distance learning format and may begin providing online or distance learning training immediately upon electronic submission of notification to CDPH.
Continuing Education Training
6. Title 22 CCR section 71845(b): An online or classroom-based continuing education provider whose continuing education training agreement is due for review and approval by CDPH is encouraged to submit timely but may delay submission of a renewal request until as soon as practicable, but no later than September 30, 2022.
The waiver for continuing education training agreements will expire September 30, 2022.
7. Title 22 CCR section 71845(a) and (g): A continuing education provider approved by CDPH to provide continuing education courses may provide the training through an online or distance learning format and may begin online or distance learning instruction immediately upon electronic submission of notification to CDPH.
Orientation
8. Title 22 CCR section 71833(a): A nursing facility may provide a portion of the required orientation program activities through an online or distance learning format and may begin providing online or distance learning orientation activities immediately upon electronic submission of notification to CDPH.
Program Flexibility Requests
As a result of this temporary waiver, NATPs and nursing facilities do not need to submit individual program flexibility requests for the waivers specified above until the end of the declared COVID-19 emergency; however, NATPs and nursing facilities are still required to submit notification to CDPH of changes to core curriculum, training hours, program staff, or contracted services. Notification shall be submitted to the Healthcare Workforce Branch, CNA Review/eLearning & Licensing Section via email at TPRU@cdph.ca.gov.
NATPs and nursing facilities may also apply for waivers of other requirements not specified above, such as alternative ways to conduct clinical training such as simulation or laboratory return demonstration. Requests for specific emergency waivers must be submitted to CNA Review/eLearning & Licensing Section via email at TPRU@cdph.ca.gov using the CDPH 5000A (PDF).
If you have any questions about this AFL, please contact the Healthcare Workforce Branch, TPRU via email at TPRU@cdph.ca.gov.
Sincerely,
Original signed by Cassie Dunham
Cassie Dunham
Deputy Director
Resources: