Nurse assistant training programs: online or distance learning.

(1) Existing law establishes the State Department of Public Health and sets forth its powers and duties to license and administer health facilities, as defined, including skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities. Existing law requires skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities to adopt certified nurse assistant training programs approved by the department. Existing law requires a training program to include 60 hours of classroom training, composed of specified topics, which may be conducted within a facility or at an educational institution. This bill would authorize the required classroom training to be offered through online or distance learning classes approved by the department. The bill would require an online or distance learning nurse assistant training program to comply with specified requirements, including, among others, having trainees sign an affidavit attesting under penalty of perjury to their identity while completing the program. By expanding the crime of perjury, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill would also authorize an experienced licensed or registered nurse, as specified, to provide instruction as part of a certified nurse assistant training program at a skilled nursing or intermediate care facility or in an educational institution, regardless of whether he or she holds a teaching credential to provide that instruction. (2) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.