The regulations also require statewide registries for nurse aides who meet the new standards. Only with properly trained and evaluated nursing home personnel can we ensure that the best possible care is given to nursing home residents across the country. The requirements are authorized by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987, which provided for comprehensive reform of health, safety, and quality standards for nursing homes caring for Medicare and Medicaid patients. Congress has allowed several exemptions to the requirement for nurse aides who meet certain standards of experience or prior training. The registries must include any findings that a nurse aide has abused or neglected patients or misappropriated patient property.
States are responsible for approving programs as meeting federal requirements.
HCFA issued advisory guidance to the states on the nurse aide training and competency evaluation requirements and on establishing the registries of nurse aides during l989.