§16-5AA-4. Instruction and training.

(a) The authorizing agency’s training curricula shall be based on a nationally recognized model curriculum for certified medication assistants. The authorizing agency shall consult with the West Virginia Board of Respiratory Care Practitioners in developing the training curricula relating to the use of an inhaler or nebulizer. The certification examination must be a national Medication Aide Certification Examination.

(b) The program developed by the authorizing agency shall require that a person who applies to act as an approved medication assistive personnel shall:

(1) Hold a high school diploma or its equivalent;

(2) Be a nurse aide with at least one year of full-time experience;

(3) Be certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid;

(4) Participate in the initial training program as set forth in §16-5AA-1 of this code;

(5) Pass a national certification examination as set forth in §16-5AA-1 of this code;

(6) Not have a statement on the stated administered nurse aide registry indicating that the staff member has been the subject of finding of abuse or neglect of a long-term care nursing home resident or convicted of the misappropriation of a resident’s property; and

(7) Participate in a retraining program every two years.

(c) A nursing home may offer the training program developed by the authorizing agency to its staff members. The training shall be provided by the nursing home through a registered professional nurse.

(d) A registered professional nurse who is authorized to train staff members to administer medications in nursing homes shall:

(1) Possess a current active license as set forth in §30-7-1 et seq. of this code to practice as a registered professional nurse;

(2) Have practiced as a registered professional nurse in a position or capacity requiring knowledge of medications for the immediate two years prior to being authorized to train staff members;

(3) Be familiar with the nursing care needs of the residents as described in this article; and

(4) Have completed and passed the nursing home trainer/instructor course developed by the authorizing agency.