​Background

On July 5, 2022, CDPH released AFL 20-35.8 to notify all facilities that the temporary waivers of specified statutory and regulatory requirements for CNAs was extended until the end of declared COVID-19 emergency. On October 17, 2022, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the COVID-19 state of emergency will end on February 28, 2023.

This AFL reminds facilities that CNAs must be in compliance with the regulatory requirements for CNA renewal by March 1, 2023, to continue to be employed. A CNA who was permitted to work during the pandemic with expired certification must obtain certification by March 1, 2023.

CDPH recommends facilities notify their CNAs to immediately enroll and complete their mandated training.

Renewal

Effective March 1, 2023, CNAs must renew certification following normal timelines. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 1337.6 and Title 22 CCR section 71839, all CNAs must submit a certification renewal application, an application fee and verification of the required 48 hours of in-service training every two years.

CNAs must complete 48 hours of in-service training every two years obtained through an approved training program or taught by a director of staff development for a licensed skilled nursing or intermediate care facility that has been approved by the CDPH, or by individuals or programs approved by CDPH. At least 12 of the 48 hours of in-service training must be completed in each of the two years. Twenty-four of the 48 hours of in-service training may be obtained through an online computer training program approved by CDPH.

Expired Certification

Effective March 1, 2023, a CNA whose certification expired must not work as a CNA without renewal. Pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 1337.6 and Title 22 CCR section 71839, an expired certificate may be renewed at any time within two years after its expiration on the filing of an application for renewal on a form prescribed by CDPH and documentation of the required in-service education. CNAs whose certification expired must complete 75 hours in an approved competency evaluation training program, pass a competency test, and obtain a criminal background clearance prior to the renewal.

If you have any questions about this AFL, please contact the CDPH Healthcare Workforce Branch, CNA Review/eLearning & Licensing Section via email at cna@cdph.ca.gov. 

Sincerely,

Original signed by Cassie Dunham

Cassie Dunham

Deputy Director