In a move that post-acute care nursing experts praised for changes to rules on remote training, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a memo clarifying Nurse Aide Training Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) and Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (CEP) requirements and allowable flexibilities.

NATCEP and CEP are statutorily required standardized training and evaluating competency programs that all CNAs must successfully complete to work in a skilled nursing facility (SNF), nursing facility (NF), or a dually participating SNF/NF.

CMS said State Survey Agencies manage the approval process for all NATCEP/CEP programs. The agency noted that it has launched a Nursing Home Staffing Campaign (NHSC) to increase the number of nurses working in nursing homes.

The reason for the new memo is that CMS said it has received several questions from stakeholders regarding NATCEP/CEP requirements, including fees for nurse aides, instructor qualifications, general supervision, settings for training sites, competency evaluation procedures, and the use of remote technology as a means of direct observation for training and evaluation.

“The purpose of this guidance is to clarify NATCEP/CEP requirements, assist states in streamlining NATCEP/CEP program approvals, and expand the capacity for nurse aide trainees by improving access and flexibility for training and testing requirements,” CMS said.

On the subject of the use of remote technology for direct observation of training and competency evaluation, CMS said in the memo it “is permissible, as long as the observer can clearly see the trainee perform all parts of the skills being demonstrated, as would occur during an in-person observation.”

“Additionally, the skills demonstration portion of the competency evaluation must be administered and evaluated by an RN with at least one year's experience in providing care for the elderly or the chronically ill of any age,” the agency added, in listing other requirements for the use of remote tools.

In response to the move, Amy Stewart, chief nursing officer, American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN), said, “I am happy to see that there are options for remote technology for training and competency evaluation. This might make it easier for those in rural areas to complete their required training more easily.”

Comments? Email Patrick Connole at pconnole@parkplacelive.com.