Section 679.1 - Certification of COVID-19 temporary nurse aides.(a)Eligibility.--Notwithstanding the State-approved nurse aide training programs, the department shall deem an individual as satisfying the requirement of completing a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program approved by the State if: (1) The individual successfully completed a training program and competency assessment authorized under the CMS COVID-19 pandemic waiver, including online training and an online examination.(2) The individual completed a minimum of 80 hours of temporary nurse aide or supervised practical nurse aide training, on-the-job training or regular in-service nurse aide education during the declared COVID-19 emergency under the supervision of a licensed or registered nurse.(3) The individual's competency has been established by one of the following:(i) the successful completion of the State nurse aide examination;(ii) certification by a site administrator responsible for assessing the individual's competency skills as part of an approved apprenticeship program; or(iii) through an assessment in all areas of required nurse aide training as provided for in 42 CFR 483.152 (b) (relating to requirements for approval of a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program) by the hiring entity.(b) Registry.--Individuals who meet the eligibility provisions in subsection (a) shall be deemed to have completed all nurse aide training and competency evaluation program requirements and shall be placed on the State nurse aide registry.(c) Implementation.--The department shall incorporate this section as part of the State-approved nurse aide training programs.Added by P.L. TBD 2020 No. 138, § 4, eff. 11/25/2020.