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Assembly Bill No. 440-Committee on Health and Human Services

(On Behalf of the State Board of Nursing)

April 30, 1997
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Referred to Committee on Commerce

SUMMARY--Makes various changes concerning nursing assistants. (BDR 54-1572)

FISCAL NOTE: Effect on Local Government: No.
Effect on the State or on Industrial Insurance: No.

EXPLANATION - Matter in italics is new; matter in brackets [ ] is material to be omitted.

AN ACT relating to nursing assistants; excluding certain persons from the definition of a "nursing assistant"; revising provisions governing the certification of nursing assistants; and providing other matters properly relating thereto.

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEVADA, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEMBLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1 NRS 632.0166 is hereby amended to read as follows:
632.0166 1."Nursing assistant" means a person who, under the direction of a licensed nurse [in a medical facility] and for compensation, performs basic restorative services and basic nursing services which are directed at the safety, comfort, personal hygiene, basic mental health and protection of patients and the protection of patients' rights.
2. The term does not include a person who is employed by this state or under contract with this state to provide, or assist in the provision of, personal care of other persons if he does not primarily perform acts that are within the authorized scope of practice of a nursing assistant.
Sec. 2 NRS 632.342 is hereby amended to read as follows:
632.342 1. The certificate of a nursing assistant must be renewed biennially on the date of the certificate holder's birthday.
2. The board shall renew a certificate if the applicant:
(a) Submits a completed written application and the fee required by this chapter;
(b) Submits documentation of completion of continuing training, as required by the board, in the previous 24 months ; [in the type of facility in which he works;]
(c) Has not committed any acts which are grounds for disciplinary action, unless the board determines that sufficient restitution has been made or the act was not substantially related to nursing; and
(d) Submits documentation of employment as a nursing assistant during the 2 years immediately preceding the date of the renewal.
The training program completed pursuant to paragraph (b) must be approved by the board.
3. Failure to renew the certificate results in forfeiture of the right to practice unless the nursing assistant qualifies for the issuance of a new certificate.
4. Renewal of a certificate becomes effective on the date on which the application is filed or the date on which the renewal fee is paid, whichever is the later.

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