OAC 310:677

Nurse Aide Training and Certification

This Oklahoma regulation establishes the nurse aide training, competency examination, and certification/registry program for unlicensed personnel working in nursing facilities, specialized facilities (including ICF/IID), residential care homes, home health agencies, adult day care centers, and assisted living centers. It sets requirements for training program approval, curriculum standards, competency examinations, registry maintenance, abuse reporting, and temporary emergency waivers for staffing shortfalls. Employers must verify registry status and absence of abuse findings before using a nurse aide, and must report allegations of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation to the Department.

TITLE 310. OKLAHOMA STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH 
CHAPTER 677. NURSE AIDE TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION 
 
"Unofficial Version" 
Retrieved from Oklahoma Secretary of State Administrative Rules, 
Administrative Rules Search, https://rules.ok.gov/code, Accessed 11 July 2022. 

Subchapter Section 
1. General Provisions 310:677-1-1 
3. Nurse Aide Training and Competency Examination Program 310:677-3-1 
5. Nurse Aide Registry 310:677-5-1 
7. Hearings 310:677-7-1 
9. Home Health Aides 310:677-9-1 
11. Long Term Care Aides 310:677-11-1 
13. Certified Medication Aides 310:677-13-1 
15. ICF/IID Care Aides 310:677-15-1 
17. Residential Care Aides 310:677-17-1 
19. Adult Day Care Program Aides 310:677-19-1 
CHAPTER 677. NURSE AIDE TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
[Authority: 63 O.S., §§ 1-104, 1-819 et seq., 1-890.1 et seq., 1-1901 et seq., 1-1950.1 through 1-1950.4, 1-1951, and 1-1960 et seq.
[Source: Codified 7-27-95]
SUBCHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS
310:677-1-1. Purpose
The purpose of this Chapter is to implement the nurse aide registry and certification program for
nurse aides who work in nursing facilities, specialized facilities, residential care homes, home health or
home care agencies, adult day care centers, and assisted living centers.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-1-2. Definitions
The following words and terms, when used in this chapter, shall have the following meanings,
unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The singular includes the plural as necessary.
"Abuse" means any intentional physical or mental injury or sexual assault on a resident of a
facility; by any person. [63 O.S. 1991 §1-1902].
"Certified medication aide" means a certified nurse aide who has passed a Department approved
program for administering medications.
"Client" means an individual receiving services from a home care agency or employer.
"Clinical skills observer" means a registered nurse, qualified intellectual disability professional,
licensed practical nurse, registered pharmacist or other qualified professional who has at least one (1) year
experience and has successfully completed a Department approved clinical skills observer training
program.
"Commissioner" or "Commissioner of Health" means the Oklahoma State Commissioner of
Health, the chief executive officer of the Department.
"Deemed" means meeting specified requirements to qualify for other categories of nurse aide
certification.
"Department" means the State Department of Health. [63 O.S. 1991, § 1-1902(7)].
"Direct supervision" means a licensed nurse or other qualified individual actually observes a
trainee performing tasks.
"Educational based program" means a nurse aide training and competency examination program
sponsored by a State approved educational entity including, but not limited to, vocational technical
schools, schools of higher learning or State certified educational facilities.
"Employer" means any of the following entities: facilities, agencies or programs including, but
not limited to, nursing facilities, specialized facilities, residential care homes, adult day care centers,
assisted living centers, or a nurse registry or a home care agency.
"Employer based program" means a nurse aide training and competency examination program
sponsored by, or offered in, a nursing facility, a residential care home, an adult day care center, a home care
agency, or a specialized facility.
"Entity" means the provider of a Department-approved nurse aide training and competency
evaluation program including but not limited to an employer based or an educational based program
provider.
"Examination" means a competency examination that includes a written portion and/or a clinical
skills portion.
"Health related services" means those services provided to patients, clients, or residents that
include but are not limited to the following: personal hygiene, transferring, range of motion, supervision or
assistance in activities of daily living, basic nursing care such as taking temperature, pulse or respiration,
positioning, incontinent care, identification of signs and symptoms of disease, and behavior management.
"ICF/IID" means an Intermediate Care Facility for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities.
"Inservice education" means activities intended to assist the nurse aide to acquire, maintain,
and/or increase competence in fulfilling the assigned responsibilities specific to the employer's
expectations.
"Instructor" means a qualified professional who teaches in an approved training program.
"Licensed health professional" means a physician, dentist, podiatrist, chiropractor, physician
assistant, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physical, speech, or occupational therapist, registered nurse,
licensed practical nurse, licensed social worker or licensed registered dietician.
"Licensed nurse" means a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse that is currently licensed
by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing.
"Misappropriation of property" means the taking, misapplication, deprivation, transfer, or
attempted transfer to any person not entitled to receive any property, real or personal, or anything of value
belonging to or under the legal control of a resident or client without the effective consent of the resident
or client or other appropriate legal authority, or the taking of any action contrary to any duty imposed by
federal or state law prescribing conduct relating to the custody or disposition of a resident's/client's
property.
"Mistreatment" means a negligent act or personal wrong against a resident or client which causes
the resident or client actual physical pain, discomfort or mental anguish. This type of personal wrong does
not necessarily have to present external or visible signs of existence but does not include actions which are
unavoidable.
"Neglect" means a failure to provide adequate medical or personal care or maintenance which
results in physical or mental injury to a resident. [63 O.S. 1991, §1-1902.].
"Orientation" means the training for a particular job activity given to a new employee.
"Performance record" means a list of the major duties and skills to be learned in a nurse aide
training program and the trainee's performance of each.
"Qualified professional" means an individual qualified to perform training and skills testing in an
approved nurse aide training and competency program.
"Reciprocity" means the process that allows a certified nurse aide from another state to be listed
in the Department's nurse aide registry.
"Reconsideration" means a process that allows an applicant to obtain reconsideration of an
adverse decision on an application by submission of clarifying materials to the original decision-making
body.
"Registry" means a Department maintained list of individuals who have successfully completed a
nurse aide training and competency examination program or a competency examination program approved
by the Department or who have been deemed or waived to meet the requirements.
"Specialized facility" means any home, establishment, or institution which offers or provides
inpatient long-term care services on a twenty-four-hour basis to a limited category of persons requiring
such services, including but not limited to a facility providing health or habilitation services for
[individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities]. [63:1-1902(11)]
"Supervised practical training" means training in a laboratory or other setting in which the
trainee demonstrates knowledge while performing tasks on an individual.
"Trainee" means an individual who is enrolled in and has begun, but has not completed, a nurse
aide training program.
"Trainer" means a qualified person who teaches in a nurse aide training and competency
examination program.
"Training and competency examination program" means a program approved by the
Department to teach and evaluate individuals to work as a nurse aide.
"Waiver" means a process that allows an individual with acceptable qualifications to be placed in
the Department's registry without meeting other required qualifications.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 18 Ok Reg 2545, eff 6-25-01; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02; Amended at 37 Ok
Reg 1455, eff 9-11-20]
310:677-1-3. Applicability
(a) This Chapter shall apply to specified employers, nurse aides, certified medication aides and other
unlicensed employees providing health related services, and training and competency evaluation programs.
(b) An employer shall not use an individual as a nurse aide unless the employer has consulted the
Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry to determine whether the individual is listed on the nurse aide registry and
whether the individual has no confirmed findings of abuse, neglect or misappropriation of
patient/resident/client property.
(c) The Department shall grant an exception to the nurse aide training requirements in 310:677-9-4 for
home health aides, 310:677-11-4 for long term care aides, 310:677-13-4 for certified medication aides,
310:677-15-3 for ICF/IID care aides, 310:677-17-3 for residential care aides and 310:677-19-3 for adult
day care aides, and allow an individual to sit for the competency examination if the individual submits all
information specified on the Training Exception Application (ODH Form 832), which requires the
following:
(1) Individual's full name and personal identifying information;
(2) Telephone number and address to include street, city, state, and zip code;
(3) Copy of official transcript documenting classroom and clinical training equal to or greater than
the classroom and clinical training as prescribed in 310:677-9-4, 310:677-11-4, 310:677-13-4,
310:677-15-3, 310:677-17-3 and 310:677-19-3; and
(4) Type of nurse aide training to be excepted.
(d) The Department shall grant to a graduate of an approved practical or registered nurse program located
in the United States a waiver to be placed on the nurse aide registry if the following criteria are met:
(1) The individual submits all information specified on the Department's Nurse Aide Training and
Competency Evaluation Program Waiver Application (ODH Form 844), which requires the
following:
(A) Individual's full name and personal identifying information;
(B) Telephone number and address to include street, city, state, and zip code;
(C) Photocopy of diploma from an approved practical or registered nurse program;
(D) Type of nurse aide training and competency testing requesting to be waived; and
(E) Identification of all states, territories and districts of the United States and other
countries where the individual has practiced or been licensed, certified or registered as a
nurse; and
(2) The individual does not have a denied, revoked or suspended license or certificate or an
administrative penalty or disciplinary action imposed by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing or similar
agency in another state, territory or district of the United States or in another country, to be
evidenced by the individual's attestation.
(e) The Department shall allow a graduate of an approved practical or registered nurse program located
outside the United States a training exception and shall be authorized to sit for a nurse aide competency
examination if the following criteria are met:
(1) The individual submits the Foreign Graduate Training Exception Application (ODH Form 843),
which requires the following:
(A) Individual's full name;
(B) Telephone number and address to include street, city, state, and zip code;
(C) The location outside of the United States where the individual received their nursing
education and licensing examination if applicable;
(D) The type of nurse aide training requesting to be excepted;
(E) Documentation verifying legal entry and resident status in the United States including
but not limited to a photocopy of a Social Security Card, Visa, Green Card or naturalization
papers; and
(F) A photocopy of a certified, translated diploma and transcript in English; and
(2) The individual does not have a denied, revoked or suspended license or certificate or an
administrative penalty or disciplinary action imposed by the Oklahoma Board of Nursing or similar
agency in another state, territory or district of the United States, to be evidenced by the individual's
attestation.
(f) An individual who has not completed an approved Oklahoma Nurse Aide Training program and is
submitting an application to be included on the Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry as a certified nurse aide
shall submit the following nonrefundable fee with the required completed application:
(1) Deeming Application, fifteen dollar ($15.00) fee applicable to each of the following deeming
applications except (A) of this paragraph;
(A) Home Health Aide deemed to Long Term Care Aide (ODH Form 755) with no fee
required;
(B) Home Health Aide deemed to ICF/IID Care Aide (ODH Form 836);
(C) Home Health Aide deemed to residential Care Aide (ODH Form 837);
(D) Home Health Aide deemed to Adult Day Care Aide (ODH Form 838);
(E) Long Term Care Aide deemed to ICF/IID Care Aide (ODH Form 830);
(F) Long Term Care Aide deemed to Residential Care Aide, (ODH Form 831);
(G) Long Term Care Aide deemed to Adult Day Care Aide, (ODH Form 839);
(H) ICF/IID Care Aide deemed to Residential Care Aide (ODH Form 834); and
(I) ICF/IID Care Aide deemed to Adult Day Care Aide (ODH Form 835);
(2) Home Health Aide Reciprocity Application (ODH Form 735), $15.00 fee;
(3) Training Exception Application (ODH Form 832), or Foreign Graduate Training Exception
Application (ODH Form 843), $15.00 fee; or
(4) Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program Waiver Application (ODH Form
844), $15.00 fee.
(5) The fees specified in (1) through (4) of this subsection apply to applications for home health
aides, certified medication aides, ICF/IID care aides, residential care aides, and adult day care
aides. A fee shall not be charged on an application requesting certification as a long term care aide
only.
(g) An individual who has previously completed a Department approved Nurse Aide Training and
Competency Evaluation Program and is unable to renew certification may obtain approval to take a retest
by filing a Certified Nurse Aide Retest Application (ODH Form 841) if any of the following criteria are
met:
(1) The individual did not provide eight (8) hours of nursing or health related services for
compensation during the twenty-four (24) months prior to expiration of the certification;
(2) The individual did not provide eight (8) hours of nursing or health related services for
compensation up to twenty-four (24) months after expiration; or
(3) The individual's nurse aide certification has been expired for over two (2) years but less than
three (3) years.
(4) A Certified Nurse Aide Retest Application (ODH Form 841) submitted by a home health aide,
ICF/IID care aide, residential care aide, or adult day care aide shall be accompanied by a fifteen
dollar ($15.00) nonrefundable fee.
(5) An individual who fails the approved retest shall be required to retrain before taking any
subsequent retests.
(h) An individual may request a duplicate or amended certification card by submitting a Duplicate or
Amended Nurse Aide Card Application (ODH Form 738) with a nonrefundable ten dollar ($10.00) fee. A
fee shall not be charged on an application requesting a duplicate or amended long term care aide
certification card.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 18 Ok Reg 2545, eff 6-25-01; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02; Amended at 21 Ok
Reg 2807, eff 7-12-04; Amended at 24 Ok Reg 2045, eff 6-25-07; Amended at 26 Ok Reg 2068, eff 6-25-09; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 1455, eff 9-11-20]
310:677-1-4. Reporting allegations of abuse
(a) An employer shall report to the Department any allegation of client or resident abuse, neglect,
mistreatment or misappropriation of client's or resident's property against the employer's nurse aide.
(b) An employer shall report to the Department by telephone within twenty-four (24) hours after receiving
an allegation and in writing within five (5) working days after receiving an allegation.
(c) The written report filed by the employer shall include:
(1) The allegation;
(2) Name and identification number of the nurse aide;
(3) Date of the occurrence;
(4) Results of any internal investigation;
(5) Any corrective action taken by the employer; and
(6) Name and address of any person who may have witnessed the incident.
[Source: Added at 13 Ok Reg 1307, eff 3-28-96 (emergency); Added at 13 Ok Reg 2515, eff 6-27-96; Amended at 24 Ok Reg 2045, eff 6-25-07]
310:677-1-5. Cumulative training calculations [REVOKED]
[Source: Added at 18 Ok Reg 2545, eff 6-25-01; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02; Amended at 24 Ok Reg 2045, eff 6-25-07]
310:677-1-6. Temporary emergency waiver
(a) Purpose. This section implements temporary emergency waivers authorized in 63:1-1950.3(A)(2) for
nursing facilities, specialized facilities, continuum of care facilities, assisted living centers, adult day care
centers, and residential care homes.
(b) Eligibility for waiver. A facility, center or home is eligible to receive a waiver if it:
(1) Makes diligent efforts to recruit and retain certified nurse aides, to be evidenced by one or more
of the following:
(A) Employment advertisements;
(B) Competitive salaries;
(C) Retention incentives; or
(D) Recruitment incentives; and
(2) Has not been cited with a deficiency or violation that:
(A) Was identified by the department during an investigation or inspection conducted on or
after the effective date of this section; and
(B) Relates to one or more of the following areas of noncompliance:
(i) Failure to develop and implement policies and procedures that prohibit
mistreatment, neglect, abuse and misappropriation of property;
(ii) Failure to implement infection control procedures;
(iii) Failure to ensure that staff observe resident rights and responsibilities;
(iv) Failure to comply with criminal history background checks in 63:1-1950.1;
(v) Failure of a nurse aide to perform proficiently on nursing or personal care
services;
(vi) Incompetence of a nurse aide; or
(vii) Failure to conduct performance appraisals or training as required for nurse
aides; and
(C) Is associated with one or both of the following aggravating circumstances:
(i) The deficiency or violation has not been corrected within required time frames;
and/or
(ii) The deficiency or violation is based on activity or inactivity of an uncertified
nurse aide that caused a resident serious injury, harm, impairment or death.
(c) Process. This subsection specifies the process to obtain a waiver.
(1) A facility, center or home shall submit a written request on an application form made available
by the Department. The form shall require:
(A) Identifying information for the facility;
(B) Documentation that the facility complies with the eligibility requirements specified in
OAC 310:677-1-6(b);
(C) Numbers of certified nurse aides, uncertified nurse aides, and other direct care staff
persons projected to be employed by the facility during the effectiveness of the waiver;
(D) A narrative describing the reasons why the facility is unable to meet the staffing
requirements of 63:1-1950.3, the means by which uncertified nurse aides shall be trained
and evaluated during the waiver, and the anticipated duration of the waiver, not to exceed
six months; and
(E) An attestation of the truth of the information provided in the application.
(2) If the Department finds that an application is incomplete, the Department shall advise the
applicant in writing and offer an opportunity to submit additional or clarifying information.
(3) Within thirty days after receipt of a completed request for a waiver, the Department shall
approve or disapprove the request and send written notice of the decision to the facility, center or
home.
(4) The Department shall provide notice to the Office of the Oklahoma Long Term Care
Ombudsman established under section 307(a)(12) of the Older Americans Act of 1965 of the
Department's action on each waiver application.
(5) The facility, center or home shall notify residents, clients or participants (or, where appropriate,
the guardian or legal representative) and members of their immediate families of the Department's
action on the waiver application. A copy of the notice shall be posted in an easily accessible and
conspicuous place in the facility, center or home.
(6) An applicant who disagrees with the Department's disapproval of the waiver application may
file a written petition requesting review by an administrative law judge in an individual proceeding
under the Oklahoma Administrative Procedures Act.
(7) A non-refundable fee of one hundred dollars ($100) shall be included with the initial
application for waiver.
(8) A non-refundable fee of seventy-five dollars ($75) shall be included with an application for
subsequent waiver under paragraph (d)(3) of this section.
(d) Conditions for obtaining waiver. The following additional conditions apply.
(1) To remain eligible for a waiver, the facility must continue after November 1, 2004 to comply
with the substantive training limitations specified in 63:1-1950.3(A)(1), (B), (C) and (D).
(2) A waiver approved by the Department is effective for the period specified by the Department
and not to exceed six months, unless sooner withdrawn by the Department for failure to meet
eligibility requirements.
(3) If a facility, center or home applies for a subsequent waiver it shall submit another application
for waiver in accordance with (c) of this section and include the following additional information
on each uncertified nurse aide employed during the preceding waiver period:
(A) Name and date of birth;
(B) Date the facility began using the person as a nurse aide;
(C) Date the person entered training and competency evaluation; and
(D) Date the person completed training and competency evaluation, or, if training and
evaluation have not been completed, the person's status at the time of application and the
projected date when evaluation will be completed.
[Source: Added at 22 Ok Reg 232, eff 10-31-04 (emergency); Added at 21 Ok Reg 2456, eff 7-11-05; Amended at 26 Ok Reg 2068, eff 6-25-09]
310:677-1-7. Presumptive approval of nurse aide training programs and emergency training
exception for unlicensed health professionals and feeding assistants during the state of emergency
caused by COVID-19 [EXPIRED]
[Source: Added at 37 Ok Reg 689, eff 4-6-20 through 9-14-21 (emergency)1]
EDITOR’S NOTE: 1This emergency action expired without being superseded by a permanent action. Upon expiration of an emergency action enacting a
new Section, the Section is no longer effective. Therefore, on 9-15-21 (after the 9-14-21 expiration of this emergency action), Section 310:677-1-7 was no
longer effective. For the official text of the emergency rule that was in effect from 4-6-20 through 9-14-21, see 37 Ok Reg 689.
SUBCHAPTER 3. NURSE AIDE TRAINING AND COMPETENCY EXAMINATION PROGRAM
310:677-3-1. Categories of training programs
The Department shall approve training and competency evaluation programs including, but not
limited to, educational-based programs and employer-based programs.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-3-2. Approved programs
(a) The Department shall approve a nurse aide training and/or competency examination program that meets
the criteria for a State approved program.
(b) An entity seeking approval of a nurse aide training and/or competency examination program shall file
the appropriate application form (ODH-743) and, for training programs other than long term care aide, a
non-refundable application fee of one hundred dollars ($100.00). There is no application fee for long-term
care aide training, or long-term care aide competency evaluation, programs.
(c) The Department's approval of a program shall not be transferable or assignable.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02; Amended at 21 Ok Reg 2807, eff 7-12-04; Amended at 24 Ok
Reg 2045, eff 6-25-07; Amended at 26 Ok Reg 2068, eff 6-25-09]
310:677-3-3. Application
(a) An entity which desires to sponsor a nurse aide training and competency examination program shall file
an application for approval on the forms prescribed by the Department.
(b) No nurse aide training and competency examination program shall be operated, and no trainee shall be
solicited or enrolled, until the Department has approved the program.
(c) The application requires the following information:
(1) Name and address for the entity sponsoring the program and for the contact person for the
program;
(2) The location of the administrative office of the program and the location where records are
maintained;
(3) A program plan that follows the curriculum established by the Department including, but not
limited to:
(A) Program objectives;
(B) A breakdown of the curriculum into clock hours of classroom/lecture, laboratory and
supervised clinical instruction;
(4) A Skills Performance Checklist, documenting the date the nurse aide trainee successfully
demonstrated all those basic nursing skills and personal care skills that are generally performed by
nurse aides and the signature of the instructor that observed the successful demonstration of the
skills. The skills must include the basic nursing skills and personal care skills listed in 42 Code of
Federal Regulations (CFR) 483.152 (b)(2) and (3);
(5) A Training Verification Form;
(6) A description of the program's standards for classroom and skills training facilities including,
but not limited to:
(A) Heat and cooling systems;
(B) Clean and safe conditions;
(C) Adequate space to accommodate all trainees;
(D) Adequate lighting;
(E) Proper equipment and furnishings;
(F) The specific location of the classroom and lab if known at the time of the application;
and
(7) Position descriptions and education and experience requirements for training supervisors and
instructors, and the program's procedure for ensuring that supervisors and instructors satisfy such
descriptions and requirements.
(d) The entity shall file an application for each program with a non-refundable application fee.
(e) A training and competency examination program shall not be offered by or in a facility which, within
the previous two years:
(1) has operated under a registered nurse staffing waiver under Section 1819(b)(4)(C)(ii)(II) or
Section 1919(b)(4)(C)(ii) of the Social Security Act; or
(2) has been assessed a penalty that has been determined, after opportunity for hearing, to be due
and payable in an amount of not less than $5,000;
(3) had a license revoked, a Medicare or Medicaid certification terminated, a denial of payment for
new admissions imposed, a temporary manager appointed, or was closed or had residents
transferred pursuant to an emergency action by the Department; or
(4) was found to have provided substandard quality of care. For the purpose of this Section,
"substandard quality of care" means one or more deficiencies related to participation requirements
under 42 CFR 483.13, Resident Behavior and Facility Practices, 42 CFR 483.15, Quality of Life,
or 42 CFR 483.25, Quality of Care. The deficient practice must constitute immediate jeopardy
which has caused or is likely to cause serious injury, harm, impairment, or death to an individual
resident or a very limited number of residents receiving care in a facility; or deficient practice that
results in actual harm to residents' physical, mental and psychosocial well-being and occurs as a
pattern affecting more than a very limited number of residents or widespread affecting a large
number or all of the facility's residents; or deficient practice that results in potential for more than
minimal physical, mental and /or psychosocial harm to residents' that is widespread and affects the
entire facility population.
(f) The Department may waive for a period not to exceed two years the imposition of (e) of this Section
and allow the offering of a training and competency evaluation program in, but not by, a facility upon the
written request of the facility if:
(1) The Department determines that no other such program is offered within a round-trip travel
time of one hour from the facility;
(2) The facility has no deficiencies that constitute substandard quality of care at the time of the
request and has no deterioration in care that results in substandard quality of care during the waiver
period; and
(3) The Department provides notice of such determination and assurances to the Oklahoma Long
Term Care Ombudsman.
(g) The Department may waive for a period not to exceed two years the imposition of (e)(2) and (e)(3) of
this Section and allow the offering of a training and competency evaluation program in, but not by, a
facility upon the written request of the facility if the penalty or remedy was not related to the quality of
care provided to residents.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02; Amended at 24 Ok Reg 2045, eff 6-25-07]
310:677-3-4. Program requirements
(a) Before the Department approves a nurse aide training and competency examination program or a
competency examination program, the Department shall determine whether the nurse aide training and
competency examination program or the competency examination program meets the minimum
requirements.
(b) The Department shall not approve, or shall withdraw approval, of an employer based program when the
employer has been assessed the following penalties or actions by the Department:
(1) License suspended or revoked or had a conditional license issued.
(2) An administrative money penalty of five thousand dollars ($5,000) or more for deficiencies
cited under state licensure.
(3) Closed or had its residents or clients transferred pursuant to the Department's action.
(4) Enforcement actions based on the Department's authority under Medicare and Medicaid
certification programs, except for facilities certified as Intermediate Care Facilities for individuals
with intellectual disabilities.
(5) For Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities, repeated
enforcement actions based on the Department's authority.
(c) The Department may withdraw approval of a nurse aide training and competency examination program
sponsored by an entity when the following occurs:
(1) The entity has been determined by the Department to have a competency examination failure
rate greater than fifty (50) per cent during a calendar year.
(2) The entity no longer meets, at a minimum, the following requirements to be a certified
program:
(A) The training program falls below the required clock hours of training;
(B) The curriculum does not include at least the subjects specified under 310:677-9-4
Home Health Aides, 310:677-11-4 Long Term Care Aides, 310:677-13-4 Certified
Medication Aides, 310:677-15-3 ICF/IID Care Aides, 310:677-17-3 Residential Care
Aides, and or 310:677-19-3 Adult Day Care Aides;
(C) A minimum of 16 hours of specified training for Long Term Care Aides is not provided
prior to direct contact with residents;
(D) At least sixteen (16) hours of supervised practical training under the direct supervision
of a registered nurse or a licensed practical nurse. The sixteen (16) hours does not include
the administration of the skills examination.
(3) The entity uses an uncertified individual as a nurse aide for longer than four months. To use an
uncertified individual as a nurse aide for four months or less, an entity must have a temporary
emergency waiver approved pursuant to 63 O.S. Section 1-1950.3.
(4) The onsite review determines the training program is out of compliance with the requirements
of 63 O.S. Section 1-1950.1, 1-1950.3 or 1-1951, or OAC 310:677.
(d) The Department shall withdraw approval of a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program
if:
(1) The entity refuses to permit the Department to make unannounced visits; or
(2) The entity falsifies records of competency or training.
(e) Withdrawal of approval shall be for a period of two (2) years or until the Department is assured through
review that the entity complies with the requirements.
(f) If the Department withdraws approval of a nurse aide training and competency examination program,
the Department shall:
(1) Notify the entity in writing, indicating the reason for withdrawal of approval.
(2) Allow the trainees who have started a training and competency examination program to
complete the program or allow the trainees who have started the program to transfer to another
approved program.
(g) A program entity may request reconsideration of the Department's decision in accordance to Chapter 2
of this Title and appealed according to the Administrative Procedures Act.
(h) The entity shall notify the trainee in writing, that successful completion of the nurse aide training and
competency examination program shall result in the individual being listed in the Department's nurse aide
registry and shall retain a copy of such notice, signed by the trainee, in the trainee's file.
(i) A trainee shall not perform any services for which the trainee has not been trained and found proficient
by an instructor.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 18 Ok Reg 2545, eff 6-25-01; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02; Amended at 24 Ok
Reg 2045, eff 6-25-07; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 1455, eff 9-11-20]
310:677-3-5. Training program review and approval
(a) Within 30 days after receipt of an application for a program that is not currently approved, the
Department shall determine if the application is complete and consistent. If the application is incomplete or
inconsistent, the Department shall advise the applicant in writing and offer an opportunity to submit
additional information. Within 30 days after completeness, the Department shall approve or disapprove the
application. If the action is to disapprove, the Department shall advise the applicant in writing of the
specific reasons for the disapproval, and shall offer the applicant an opportunity to demonstrate
compliance.
(b) Each program is subject to site visits by the Department. Approved programs shall be evaluated by the
Department every two years.
(c) An approved program shall notify the Department in writing before making substantive changes to the
program. Substantive changes shall include but not be limited to:
(1) A change in location of the administrative offices of the training program;
(2) A change in the requirements or procedures for selection of instructors;
(3) A change in the curriculum;
(4) A different legal entity sponsoring the program; or
(5) A change in location of the class, clinical training site, or laboratory.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02; Amended at 24 Ok Reg 2045, eff 6-25-07]
310:677-3-6. Closing an approved nurse aide training and competency examination program
(a) When an entity decides to close a nurse aide training and competency examination program, it shall:
(1) Notify the Department at least sixty (60) days in advance, in writing, stating the reason, plan,
and date of intended closing.
(2) Continue the program until the classes for currently enrolled trainees are completed.
(b) The entity shall notify the Department of its plan to safeguard the program records.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-3-7. Criminal arrest checks
(a) An employer based program shall complete the State required criminal arrest check. The record of the
finding shall be maintained by the employer. These records shall be destroyed after one (1) year from the
end of employment of the person to whom such records relate. [63:1-1950.3(H)]
(b) A non-employer based program shall notify trainees that if a criminal arrest check reveals a cause
which bars employment in a health care entity, then the trainee shall be withdrawn from the training
program.
(c) If a non-employer based training program does not require an OSBI criminal arrest check as part of the
admission requirements to the training program, the training program shall provide the trainee with written
notification of 63:1-1950.1 as part of the training program application.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-3-8. Records and examination
(a) A program shall use a performance record/Skills Performance Checklist which shall include:
(1) A record of when the trainee performs the duties and skills and the determination of satisfactory
or unsatisfactory performance.
(2) The name of the instructor supervising the performance.
(b) Upon request from the nurse aide trainee, the training program shall provide the trainee with a copy of
the Training Verification Form upon completion of training.
(c) Upon request from the nurse aide trainee, the training program shall provide the trainee a copy of the
completed classroom/lecture training and the training performance record/Skills Performance Checklist
with the skills that have been demonstrated if the trainee has to withdraw from the training program prior
to completion of the training program.
(d) The program shall retain the following records for each trainee for at least three (3) years:
(1) The Trainee's Application for the training program.
(2) Performance records, the Skills Performance Checklist and Training Verification Form.
(3) Nurse aide competency and examination results.
(e) The training program shall provide copies to the nurse aide registry of any individual nurse aide
training records that may be requested by the Department.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-3-9. Requirements for administration of the competency examination
(a) The competency examination shall be administered and evaluated only by a Department approved
entity which shall be periodically monitored by the Department.
(b) Each approved examination entity must provide the Department with the following:
(1) Written job analysis studies to determine the pool of test questions.
(2) Test question validation studies.
(3) Capabilities of providing competency results in the proper format for compatibility with the
Department's nurse aide registry within thirty (30) days of scoring.
(4) Assurances that the written and skills testing process are not compromised.
(c) Each approved examination entity shall provide the examinee with the following:
(1) The notice showing pass/fail results.
(2) The notice shall specify the areas of failure to the nurse aide.
(d) The Department shall withdraw approval of a testing entity when it allows one or more of the
following:
(1) Disclosure of the competency examination.
(2) Allowing another entity not approved by the Department to score the competency examination.
(3) Tampering with the competency examination.
(4) The competency examination was administered by a non-qualified individual.
(e) If the competency examination is proctored by facility personnel:
(1) The test results must be transmitted to the scoring entity immediately after completion of the
written or oral and skills examination.
(2) A record of successful completion of the competency examination must be included in the
nurse aide registry within 30 days of the date the individual is found to be competent. Competency
is determined by a passing score on the written or oral examination and skills examination.
(3) If the competency evaluation is to be proctored by facility personnel and the entity chooses to
delay the administration of the written or oral examination and/or skills examination after
completion of the training which will delay certification, this information shall be provided in
writing in the training program application and signed by the trainee.
(f) The trainee may sit for the written or oral examination and skills examination at a different location
than where training was completed if the testing entity is provided with a Training Verification Form.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-3-10. Content of the competency examination
(a) The competency examination shall include a written or oral portion, in English, which shall:
(1) Allow a nurse aide to choose between a written and an oral examination.
(2) Address each requirement specified in the minimum curriculum prescribed by the Department.
(3) Be developed from a pool of test questions, only a portion of which is used in any one (1)
examination.
(4) Use a system that prevents disclosure of both the pool of test questions and the individual
competency examination results.
(5) If oral, the examination portion shall be read from a prepared text in a neutral manner.
(b) The skills examination portion of the competency examination shall:
(1) Consist of randomly selected items drawn from a pool of tasks generally performed by nurse
aides except as provided in section 9-5 (b).
(2) Be performed in an entity in which the individual will function as a nurse aide or a similar
laboratory setting.
(3) Be administered and evaluated by a qualified clinical skills observer.
(c) The Department shall permit the skills examination to be proctored by qualified entity personnel if the
Department finds that the procedure adopted by the testing entity ensures that the competency
examination:
(1) Is secure from tampering.
(2) Is standardized and scored by a testing, educational, or other organization approved by the
Department.
(3) Is transmitted to the scoring entity immediately after completion of the skills examination. A
record of successful completion of the skills examination must be included in the Nurse Aide
Registry within 30 days of the date the individual is found to be competent or has passed the skills
examination.
(d) The Department shall revoke the approval of any entity to proctor the nurse aide competency
examination if the Department finds evidence of impropriety, including evidence of tampering by facility
staff.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-3-11. Successful completion of the competency examination
(a) An individual shall pass both the written or oral examination and the skills examination to complete the
competency examination successfully.
(b) An individual shall score at least seventy (70) percent on the written or oral examination.
(c) An individual shall demonstrate at least eighty (80) percent accuracy for the skills examination.
(d) The Department shall include in the nurse aide registry a record of successful completion of the
competency examination within thirty (30) days of the date the individual is found to be competent.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-3-12. Failure to complete the competency examination
If an individual does not complete the competency examination successfully, the individual shall
be notified by the testing entity of, at least, the following:
(1) The areas which the individual did not pass.
(2) That the individual may retake the examination a total of three times without further training.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
SUBCHAPTER 5. NURSE AIDE REGISTRY
310:677-5-1. Establishment of registry
The Department shall, in addition to fulfilling the responsibilities assigned under 63 O.S. Section
1-1951.D., provide a written or verbal response to the public and employers about the registry status of a
certified nurse aide or nurse aide trainee.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 18 Ok Reg 2545, eff 6-25-01; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-5-2. Registry operation
(a) The Department shall maintain overall operation of the registry.
(b) Only the Department may place in the registry findings of abuse, neglect, mistreatment or
misappropriation of property.
(c) The nurse aide registry shall indicate which individuals:
(1) Successfully completed a nurse aide training and competency examination;
(2) Were given a training exception to bypass training requirements and sit for the competency
examination;
(3) Had the nurse aide training and competency examination program requirements waived; or
(4) Were placed on the Oklahoma Nurse Aide Registry via reciprocity from another state.
(d) A home health aide, long term care aide, ICF/IID care aide, residential care aide, and adult day care
aide shall renew individual certification once every two (2) years. The individual certified as a home health
aide, ICF/IID care aide, residential care aide, or adult day care aide shall file a Recertification Application
(ODH Form 717). The individual certified as a long term care aide shall file a Recertification Application
for Long Term Care Aide (ODH Form 840). Each recertification application requires:
(1) Personal identifying and contact information for the applicant;
(2) Documentation that the applicant has provided at least eight (8) hours of nursing or health
related services for compensation during the preceding 24 months. On and after July 1, 2008, the
documentation shall consist of one of the following:
(A) A statement signed by the administrator or the administrator's representative for the
licensed nursing facility, specialized facility, residential care home, home health or home
care agency, adult day care center, assisted living center, continuum of care facility,
Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs nursing facility, or Oklahoma correctional
facility where the applicant provided services;
(B) A statement signed by a physician or nurse under whose supervision the applicant
provided services; or
(C) A check stub, IRS Form W-2 or similar proof of wages paid to the applicant by a
licensed nursing facility, specialized facility, residential care home, home health or home
care agency, adult day care center, assisted living center, continuum of care facility,
Oklahoma Department of Veterans Affairs nursing facility, or Oklahoma correctional
facility; and
(3) An oath of truthfulness and completeness to be signed by the applicant.
(e) A home health aide, ICF/IID care aide, residential care aide, or adult day care aide shall pay a ten dollar
($10.00) fee for the processing and renewal of certifications and for replacement of a wallet card for
change of name or other reason.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02; Amended at 24 Ok Reg 2045, eff 6-25-07; Amended at 26 Ok
Reg 2068, eff 6-25-09; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 1455, eff 9-11-20]
310:677-5-3. Registry content [REVOKED]
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Revoked at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-5-4. Automatic removal from registry
(a) The Department shall automatically remove any nurse aide from the Department's automated telephone
system the day after certification expires, if the nurse aide failed to request renewal of certification by the
day the certification expires.
(b) If any nurse aide requests renewal of certification and there has been a continuous period of twenty-
four (24) consecutive months during none of which the individual provided nursing or health related
services for monetary compensation, the individual shall complete a new training and competency
evaluation or a new competency evaluation program, whichever option they choose, to become recertified.
The Department shall automatically remove any nurse aide from the Nurse Aide Registry if there has been
a continuous period of twenty-four (24) consecutive months during which the nurse aide has not provided
at least eight (8) hours of nursing or health related services for compensation. The nurse aide shall produce
documentation of work upon request for renewal of certification.
(c) The aide shall not be removed from the registry if the individual's registry notation has a pending or
permanent finding of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or misappropriation of property.
(d) If a nurse aide has been removed from the registry due to failure to renew certification and no more
than forty-eight (48) months have passed since the date of the last renewal, and the nurse aide cannot
produce documentation of at least eight (8) hours of nursing or health related services for compensation,
the nurse aide shall complete a new nurse aide training and competency evaluation program or just the
competency evaluation, both the written and skills examination. This will be the choice of the nurse aide.
(e) A nurse aide may renew certification for up to forty-eight months from the date of the last renewal, if
the nurse aide is able to produce documentation of eight (8) hours of nursing or health related services for
compensation within twenty-four (24) months after expiration.
(f) If the nurse aide failed to renew certification for more than forty-eight months since the last renewal,
and is unable to produce documentation of compensated employment providing nursing or health related
services, the nurse aide shall complete a new nurse aide training and competency evaluation program to be
reinstated in the registry.
(g) The Department shall review when requested and may grant an exception in removing any nurse aide
from the nurse aide registry pursuant to OAC 310:677-5-4(b) if the nurse aide has completed a practical or
registered nursing education program after certification and files with the Department a waiver application
form, which requires the following information:
(1) Individual's full name;
(2) Telephone number and address to include street, city, state, and zip code;
(3) Photocopy of Social Security card;
(4) Photocopy of a diploma from an approved practical or registered nurse program; and
(5) Type of nurse aide certification requesting to be waived.
(h) Upon receipt of the waiver application form, the Department shall verify the following information:
(1) The nurse aide/LPN/RN student has completed a practical or registered nursing education
program after certification;
(2) The individual is in good standing with the Oklahoma Board of Nursing, or the individual does
not have confirmation of abuse, neglect or misappropriation of patient/resident/client property;
(3) The individual is not a subject of a current ongoing investigation by the Oklahoma Board of
Nursing or the Oklahoma Attorney General or other known legal entity; and
(4) The individual has no restrictions preventing sitting for the nursing board exam.
(i) The Department shall automatically remove a nurse aide from the nurse aide registry and place them in
the archive database if there has been a continuous period of forty-eight (48) consecutive months in which
the nurse aide has not applied for renewal of certification, unless the individual's registry notation has a
pending or permanent finding of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or misappropriation of property. The
individual shall complete a new nurse aide training and competency examination to be reinstated in the
registry.
(j) The Department shall review and may grant an exception to place an individual, who failed to renew
certification, back on the registry if the individual can produce documentation of continuous employment
for the past forty-eight (48) months in a hospital, the Advantage Program through the Department of
Human Services, or an entity that does not require certification of nurse aides.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 18 Ok Reg 2545, eff 6-25-01; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-5-5. Denial, suspension, withdrawal, and nonrenewal of certification
(a) Grounds for certification action against a certified nurse aide may include:
(1) Intentionally providing false or misleading information to a training program, a facility, or the
Department;
(2) Failing to provide care as ordered by a health care
(3) Altering or falsifying medical records;
(4) Removing medical records or other documentation pertaining to resident care from the
employment setting without authorization;
(5) Altering or falsifying certified nurse aide identification cards;
(6) Representing oneself as a certified nurse aide without supervision by a licensed health
professional and providing services that are not included in a Department approved nurse aide
training and competency evaluation program.
(b) The Department may deny, suspend, withdraw or not renew certification of a nurse aide based on the
aide's noncompliance with 63 O.S. Section 1-1950.3, 1-1950.4a, 1-1950.5 or 1-1951, or OAC 310:677.
The Department shall notify the aide of the intent to deny, suspend, withdraw or not renew certification.
The notice shall cite the specific reasons for the action and offer the aide an opportunity to demonstrate
compliance. Prior to the effectiveness of the denial, suspension, withdrawal, or nonrenewal of certification,
the Department shall offer the aide an opportunity for a hearing.
(c) The suspension of a certificate shall be effective for not less than six months, and a denial, withdrawal
or nonrenewal of a certification shall be effective for not less than one year. The Department shall specify
the duration of the denial, suspension, withdrawal or nonrenewal of certification in excess of the
minimums based on the seriousness of the underlying violation and the likelihood that the aide will
maintain compliance in the future.
[Source: Added at 24 Ok Reg 2045, eff 6-25-07]
SUBCHAPTER 7. HEARINGS
310:677-7-1. Right to a hearing
Before the registry is notified that a finding of client or resident abuse, neglect, mistreatment or
misappropriation of a client's or resident's property has been made against a certified nurse aide or nurse
aide trainee, the Department shall offer the certified nurse aide or nurse aide trainee an opportunity for a
hearing. If the certified nurse aide or nurse aide trainee fails to request a hearing in writing within thirty
(30) days from the date of the notice, the Department shall include on the registry a finding of client or
resident abuse, neglect, mistreatment or misappropriation of a client's or resident's property against the
certified nurse aide or nurse aide trainee.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 13 Ok Reg 1307, eff 3-28-96 (emergency); Amended at 13 Ok Reg 2515, eff 6-27-96;
Amended at 18 Ok Reg 2545, eff 6-25-01]
310:677-7-2. Hearing
(a) Conducting the hearing. The hearing shall be conducted in accord with this subchapter and Chapter 2
of this Title.
(b) Investigation when hearing requested. If the certified nurse aide or nurse aide trainee requests a
hearing before the Department completes its investigation, the investigation shall be completed before a
hearing is conducted.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 18 Ok Reg 2545, eff 6-25-01]
310:677-7-3. Petition and hearing
(a) Petition. If the certified nurse aide or nurse aide trainee requests a hearing, an individual proceeding
shall be commenced upon the filing of a petition by the Department against a certified nurse aide or nurse
aide trainee which states the facts supporting the allegation.
(b) Notice of hearing. All parties shall be given notice of the date, time and place of the hearing. The
notice of hearing shall include a copy of the petition.
(c) Time. The hearing shall be scheduled at least fifteen (15) working days after the certified nurse aide or
nurse aide trainee has received notice of the hearing.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 13 Ok Reg 1307, eff 3-28-96 (emergency); Amended at 13 Ok Reg 2515, eff 6-27-96;
Amended at 18 Ok Reg 2545, eff 6-25-01]
310:677-7-4. Orders
(a) Authority. The Administrative Law Judge shall issue a decision within fifteen (15) working days
following the close of the hearing record. The decision shall include Findings of Fact and Conclusions of
Law separately stated.
(b) Delegation. The Commissioner of Health may delegate the authority to issue a final decision in these
matters as specified in OAC 310:002-3-6.
(c) Registry notification. The decision shall direct the nurse aide registry to include the findings as they
relate to the certified nurse aide or nurse aide trainee. The decision shall direct the nurse aide registry to
include a statement by the certified nurse aide or nurse aide trainee disputing the decision if the certified
nurse aide or nurse aide trainee chooses to submit such statement. The statement of the certified nurse aide
or nurse aide trainee shall be submitted to the nurse aide registry within thirty (30) days after the decision
is issued.
(d) Notice. Each party and attorney of record shall be mailed a copy of the Final Order. The Department
shall transmit a copy of the Final Order to the nurse aide registry when the Order is mailed.
(e) Appeal. An appeal of the Final Order shall be perfected under the Administrative Procedures Act.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 18 Ok Reg 2545, eff 6-25-01]
310:677-7-5. Petition for removal of finding of neglect
(a) Petition. If more than one (1) year has expired since the day the finding of neglect notation was placed
upon the file of the certified nurse aide or nurse aide trainee, the certified nurse aide or nurse aide trainee
may request a hearing and an individual proceeding shall be commenced upon the filing of a petition or
request by the certified nurse aide or nurse aide trainee which states:
(1) the employment and personal history of the nurse aide does not reflect a pattern of abusive
behavior or neglect; and
(2) the neglect involved in the original finding was a singular occurrence.
(b) Notice of hearing. All parties shall be given notice of the date, time and place of the hearing. The
notice of hearing shall include a copy of the petition.
(c) Time. The hearing shall be scheduled at least fifteen (15) working days after the certified nurse aide or
nurse aide trainee has received notice of the hearing.
(d) Authority. The Administrative Law Judge shall issue a decision within fifteen (15) working days
following the close of the hearing record. The decision shall include Findings of Fact and Conclusions of
Law separately stated.
(e) Registry notification. If the Administrative Law Judge finds that the employment and personal history
of the nurse aide does not reflect a pattern of abusive behavior or neglect and the neglect involved in the
original finding was a singular occurrence, the Administrative Law Judge shall take the following into
consideration in making a decision whether to direct the nurse aide registry to remove the finding of
neglect notation from the Registry:
(1) The degree of negligence;
(2) The severity of the potential negative resident outcome;
(3) The severity of the actual negative resident outcome;
(4) The forthrightness and cooperation of the individual;
(5) Any rehabilitation or education completed by the individual since the incident; and
(6) Any other factors or considerations the judge determines to be pertinent to the court's decision.
In all other instances, the name and information of the nurse aide upon the nurse aide registry shall
remain unchanged.
(f) Status of certification. Where the Administrative Law Judge directs that the finding of neglect notation
be removed, the following shall apply:
(1) If the nurse aide is no longer certified and has no other disqualifying notations on the registry,
the nurse aide shall successfully complete a nurse aide competency evaluation program prior to re-
establishing certification. All applicable retesting fees shall apply.
(2) An individual who fails a nurse aide competency evaluation program under the prior paragraph
shall be required to retrain before taking any subsequent retests.
(3) If the aide is a nurse aide trainee and has no other disqualifying notations on the registry, the
nurse aide trainee shall successfully complete a nurse aide training and competency evaluation
program to establish certification.
[Source: Added at 26 Ok Reg 2068, eff 6-25-09]
SUBCHAPTER 9. HOME HEALTH AIDES
310:677-9-1. General requirements
(a) The home care agency shall:
(1) Complete an annual performance review of each home care aide and provide at least twelve
(12) hours of in-service training each calendar year.
(2) Have in-service education generally supervised by a registered nurse who has at least two (2)
years nursing experience with at least one (1) year of which shall be in the provision of home care.
(3) Ensure that all certifications are current and not expired.
(b) An individual may apply for placement in the nurse aide registry by reciprocity from another State if
the individual is listed on another State registry as a certified home care nurse aide and does not have a
notation of confirmed abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or misappropriation of property.
(c) The training program shall inform the trainee that a home care aide shall complete a new nurse aide
training and competency examination or competency examination if, upon applying for renewal of
certification, the nurse aide has not provided at least eight (8) hours of nursing or health related services for
compensation in the previous twenty-four (24) months. Failure to renew within the certification period will
result in the individual's name being removed from the automated telephone system.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-9-2. Deemed to meet state certification requirements
(a) The Department shall deem a certified home care aide to meet the nurse aide certification requirements
for the following employers after successful completion of at least sixteen (16) hours of orientation
specific to the employer's population. Documentation of the sixteen hours of orientation shall be submitted
to the Department to enter the certified nurse aide's name in the registry as being certified in that category.
The employers to which this requirement applies are the following:
(1) Residential care.
(2) Adult day care.
(3) Specialized facility.
(b) An individual who is listed in the nurse aide registry as a long term care aide may be employed by a
home care agency upon successful completion of a Department approved home care skills examination and
at least sixteen (16) hours of orientation specific to the employer's population. The individual will be
placed on the registry as being certified as a Home Health Aide after successfully passing the examination.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-9-3. Instructor qualifications
The training of home health aides and the supervision of home health aides during the supervised
practical portion of the training shall be performed by, or under the general supervision of, a registered
nurse who possesses at least two (2) years nursing experience with at least one (1) year experience
providing the following:
(1) Home care; or
(2) Instruction in a home health nurse aide training program under the supervision of a qualified
registered nurse.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 24 Ok Reg 2045, eff 6-25-07]
310:677-9-4. Curriculum
(a) The home care aide training program shall include:
(1) At least seventy-five (75) hours of training or the equivalent.
(2) At least sixteen (16) hours of classroom training before beginning any supervised practical
training.
(3) At least sixteen (16) hours of supervised practical training.
(b) The home care aide training program shall include, but is not limited to, the following subject areas:
(1) Communication skills.
(2) Observation, reporting and documentation of client status and the care or services furnished.
(3) Taking and recording temperature, pulse, and respiration;
(4) Basic infection control procedures.
(5) Basic elements of body functioning and changes in body function that must be reported to the
aide's supervisor.
(6) Maintenance of a clean, safe, and healthy environment.
(7) Recognizing an emergency and necessary emergency procedures.
(8) The physical, emotional, and developmental needs of, and ways to work with, the populations
served by the home care agency, including the need for respect for the client, and the client's
privacy and property.
(9) Appropriate and safe techniques in personal hygiene and grooming including but not limited to
the following: bed bath, sponge, tub or shower bath, shampoo, sink, tub, or bed, nail and skin care,
oral hygiene and toileting and elimination.
(10) Safe transfer techniques and ambulation.
(11) Normal range of motion and positioning.
(12) Adequate nutrition and fluid intake;
(13) Any other task that the home care agency may choose to have the home care aide perform.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95]
310:677-9-5. Competency and skills examination
(a) The written and skills examination shall be administered by a registered nurse.
(b) The skills examination shall include at least the following:
(1)
Taking and recording temperature, pulse, and respiration.
(2) Appropriate and safe techniques in personal hygiene and grooming.
(3) Safe transfer techniques and ambulation.
(4) Normal range of motion and positioning.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
SUBCHAPTER 11. LONG TERM CARE AIDES
310:677-11-1. General requirements
(a) The facility shall:
(1) Complete a performance review of every nurse aide at least once every twelve (12) months and
provide two (2) hours of inservice training specific to their job assignment each month.
(2) Have in-service education generally supervised by a registered nurse who has at least two (2)
years nursing experience with at least one (1) year of which shall be in the provision of long term
care services.
(3) Ensure that each nurse aide certification is current and not expired.
(b) An individual may apply for listing in the nurse aide registry by reciprocity from another State and the
Department may approve such application if the individual is listed in another State registry as a certified
long term care aide and does not have a notation of abuse, neglect, mistreatment, or misappropriation of
property.
(c) The training program shall inform the trainee that a long term care aide shall complete a new nurse aide
training and competency examination program or competency examination if, upon applying for renewal
of certification, the nurse aide has not provided at least eight (8) hours of nursing or health related services
for compensation during the previous twenty-four (24) months.
(d) The training program shall inform a trainee that the trainee shall not perform any resident services until
the trainee has completed the required sixteen (16) hours of training identified in 310:677-11-4 and the
aide shall not perform services for which they have not trained and been found proficient by the instructor.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-11-2. Deemed to meet state certification requirements
(a) The Department shall deem a certified long term care aide to meet the nurse aide certification
requirements for the following employers after successful completion of at least sixteen (16) hours of
orientation specific to the employer's population. Documentation of the sixteen (16) hours shall be
submitted to the Department and the certified nurse aides name will be entered in the registry as being
certified in that category. This requirement shall apply to the following employers:
(1) Residential care.
(2) Adult day care.
(3) Specialized facility.
(b) A home care aide may be employed by a long term care facility following at least sixteen (16) hours of
training in the following areas:
(1) Resident rights.
(2) Caring for the resident when death is imminent.
(3) Care of the cognitively impaired resident.
(4) Avoiding the need for restraints in accordance with current professional standards.
(5) The minimum data set, care plans and the interdisciplinary team.
(c) Documentation of the sixteen (16) hours of training shall indicate time spent in each area, be signed by
the nurse aide and the instructor and be kept in the nurse aide's personnel file. Documentation shall also be
submitted to the Department to place the certified home care aide on the registry as a certified long term
care aide.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-11-3. Instructor qualifications
(a) The training of long term care aides shall be done by, or under the general supervision of, a registered
nurse who has:
(1) At least two (2) years of nursing experience with at least one (1) year in long term care facility
services.
(2) Completed a course in teaching adults or experience in teaching adults or supervising nurse
aides.
(b) The nurse aide training and competency examination may be supervised by the registered nurse who
serves as the director of nursing, provided that the director of nursing shall not perform the actual training.
(c) There must be one (1) Registered Nurse who meets the qualifications for each long term care training
program, whether in the role of RN Supervisor or RN instructor.
(d) A licensed practical nurse may act as an instructor in an approved nurse aide training and competency
examination program when a registered nurse maintains responsibility for the program and is available to
provide instruction in areas in which a licensed practical nurse may lack technical expertise.
(e) Other personnel from the health professions may supplement the instructor. These persons shall be
licensed by the State, if applicable, and shall have at least one (1) year experience in the practice of the
profession.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-11-4. Curriculum
(a) The training program for long term care aides shall include:
(1) At least, seventy-five (75) hours of training or the equivalent.
(2) At least sixteen (16) hours of training in the following areas prior to any direct contact with a
resident that is documented and signed by the nurse aide trainee:
(A) Communication and interpersonal skills.
(B) Infection control.
(C) Safety and emergency procedures, including the Heimlich maneuver.
(D) Promoting a resident's independence.
(E) Respecting a resident's rights.
(3) At least sixteen (16) hours of supervised practical training that is documented and signed by the
nurse aide trainee.
(b) The long term care aide training program shall include the subjects specified in paragraphs (b)(2)
through (7) of 42 CFR 483.152(b).
(c) Pursuant to 63 O.S. 1-1951(A)(3), the long term care aide training program shall include a minimum of
ten (10) hours of training in the care of Alzheimer's patients.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02; Amended at 26 Ok Reg 2068, eff 6-25-09]
310:677-11-5. Competency and skills examination
(a) The competency examination must comply with 42 CFR 483.154. and is addressed under 310:677-3-9
and 310:677-3-10.
(b) The skills examination shall:
(1) Consist of a demonstration of randomly selected items drawn from a pool of tasks generally
performed by long term care aides. This pool shall include all of the personal care skills.
(2) Be performed in a facility or laboratory setting comparable to the setting in which the
individual shall function as a long term care aide.
(3) Be administered and evaluated by a registered nurse with at least one (1) year experience in
providing care for the elderly or the chronically ill of any age and a qualified clinical skills
observer.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
SUBCHAPTER 13. CERTIFIED MEDICATION AIDES
310:677-13-1. General requirements
(a) An individual shall be able to read, write, and speak English and be certified in good standing as a
home health aide, a long term care aide, or a ICF/IID care aide listed in the Department's Nurse Aide
Registry, prior to admission to a State approved certified medication aide training program. The
Department shall make available an attestation form that training programs may use for admission to
certified medication aide training.
(b) A certified medication aide shall complete at least eight (8) hours of continuing education every twelve
(12) months, excluding the first year of certification, from a State approved program. A record of
successful completion shall be kept in the certified medication aide's personnel file.
(c) An employer shall not use as a certified medication aide any individual who does not comply with 63
O.S. Section 1-1950.3(E), OAC 310:677, and the employer's policies and procedures.
(d) A certified medication aide shall renew certification every 12 months. Recertification requires the
following:
(1) Documentation of completion of at least eight (8) hours of continuing education every twelve
(12) months, excluding the first year after certification as a medication aide. Classroom and
supervised practical training hours completed by a CMA in a Department-approved advanced
training program may count towards the eight required hours of continuing education;
(2) Current certification as a long term care aide, home health aide or ICF/IID care aide. CMAs
may also be certified in the other two (2) categories in addition to the required certification as a
long term care aide, home health aide and ICF/IID care aide; and
(3) Current listing in the nurse aide registry.
(e) The Department shall approve certified medication aide training programs that meet the requirements
of OAC 310:677-13-3 through 13-5, and 310:677-13-9.
(f) The Department shall review, approve or disapprove a Certified Medication Aide Continuing Education
Program application and notify the entity of its action within thirty (30) days of the request or receipt of
additional information from the applicant.
(g) The following words or terms when used in this subchapter shall have the following meaning unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
(1) "Stable diabetes" means diabetes associated with a blood glucose level consistently between 80
and 140 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl) fasting and less than or equal to 180 mg/dl after a meal,
and/or a Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) at or below 7.0 within the last three months.
(2) "Unstable diabetes" means:
(A) A non-acutely ill person with blood glucose levels more than three times over a six
week period that are under 80 mg/dl or more than 140 mg/dl fasting, or more than 180
mg/dl two hours after a meal;
(B) A person with diabetes who has prescriptions for both insulin and glucagon;
(C) A person with Type I diabetes who experiences hypoglycemia unawareness;
(D) A person who is newly diagnosed with diabetes and for whom insulin is prescribed; or
(E) A person who has been previously diagnosed with diabetes and now requires insulin
administration for management. They may be considered stable again when their glucose is
maintained in the stable range specified in subsection (g)(1) of this section, which may
include maintaining an HbA1c at or below 7.0.
(3) "Newly diagnosed" means a person who now has a diagnosis of either Type I or Type II
diabetes, has a new prescription for insulin, has not been diagnosed with diabetes in the past and
who does not have stable diabetes.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02; Amended at 23 Ok Reg 559, eff 12-22-05 (emergency);
Amended at 23 Ok Reg 2422, eff 6-25-06; Amended at 24 Ok Reg 2045, eff 6-25-07; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 1455, eff 9-11-20]
310:677-13-2. Deemed to meet state certification requirements
A certified medication aide shall be eligible to perform the duties of a certified medication aide for
the following employers:
(1) Nursing facility or continuum of care facility;
(2) Specialized facility;
(3) Residential care home;
(4) Adult day care facility; and
(5) Assisted living center.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 23 Ok Reg 559, eff 12-22-05 (emergency); Amended at 23 Ok Reg 2422, eff 6-25-06]
310:677-13-3. Instructor qualifications
(a) Each training program instructor shall be qualified as a physician, licensed nurse, pharmacist,
respiratory therapist, speech therapist, or certified diabetes educator who may teach within her or his area
of expertise or scope of practice. Each instructor shall have one year of experience in her or his area of
expertise. The program shall designate a registered nurse as the training program supervisor if a licensed
practical nurse serves as an instructor.
(b) Other personnel from the health professions may supplement the instructor as required by the
curriculum and approved by the Department.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 23 Ok Reg 559, eff 12-22-05 (emergency); Amended at 23 Ok Reg 2422, eff 6-25-06]
310:677-13-4. Curriculum
(a) The certified medication aide training program shall include a minimum of forty (40) hours of
combined classroom and supervised practical training with a minimum of sixteen (16) hours of supervised
practical training.
(b) The certified medication aide training shall include, but is not limited to each of the following subject
areas:
(1) Preparation and administration of medication.
(A) Documentation of medication administration.
(B) Proper medication storage procedures.
(i) Scheduled controlled substances.
(ii) Internal and external medications.
(C) Purposes of medications.
(D) Oral medications.
(E) Topical medications.
(F) Eye, ear, and nose medications.
(G) Vaginal medications.
(H) Rectal medications.
(I) Oral inhalants.
(J) Transdermal medications.
(K) Medical terminology, symbols, and abbreviations.
(L) The rights of medication administration, including the right patient, drug, date, time,
dosage, route and form.
(M) Controlled drug procedures.
(N) Recognizing appropriate situations requiring assistance of the charge nurse.
(O) Drug-reference sources.
(P) Vital sign measurement with drug administration.
(Q) Medication labeling.
(2) Observe, report, and document resident's status.
(A) Blood pressure measurement and documentation.
(B) Drug to drug interactions.
(C) Drug to food interactions, and medication timed to coincide with meals.
(3) Principles of safety.
(B) Principles of positioning for medication administration.
(4) Knowledge of measurement systems.
(A) Distinguish weight and volume measurements.
(B) Decimal and fraction concepts in medication administration.
(C) Appropriate measurement equipment.
(5) Body systems and common diseases.
(A) Digestive system and common diseases to medication administration.
(B) Respiratory system and common diseases to medication administration.
(C) Drug metabolism.
(D) Cardiovascular system and common diseases to medication administration.
(E) Endocrine system in relation to diabetes and hormone therapy.
(F) Elimination system and common diseases to medication administration.
(G) Skin system and common diseases to medication administration.
(H) Muscular-skeletal system and common diseases to medication administration.
(I) Nervous system and common diseases to medication administration.
(c) The advanced training program for care of diabetes and the administration of diabetic medications by
CMAs shall include:
(1) A minimum of twelve hours of classroom training and a minimum of four hours of supervised
practical training;
(2) Training in the following subject areas with curriculum standards as indicated:
(A) Pathophysiology of diabetes, with the successful learner able to:
(i) Define diabetes as a chronic metabolic disorder in which the body is unable to
metabolize glucose properly;
(ii) Describe the action of insulin in the body; and
(iii) Explain the differences between the types of diabetes;
(B) Diabetes disease management, with the successful learner able to:
(i) Describe the relationship between insulin, diet, and physical activity in
management of diabetes; and
(ii) Explain how diet relates to blood glucose control;
(C) Blood glucose testing and use of equipment, with the successful learner able to:
(i) Explain the purpose of blood glucose testing;
(ii) Demonstrate how to use blood glucose testing equipment, and demonstrate
accuracy; and
(iii) Explain the quality control requirements for glucose monitoring equipment,
demonstrate both high and low controls, and explain their purpose and frequency of
control testing;
(D) Stable and unstable diabetes, with the successful learner able to:
(i) Identify appropriate blood glucose levels for persons with diabetes;
(ii) Define hypoglycemia and list three causes and three symptoms;
(iii) Define hyperglycemia and list three causes and three symptoms; and
(iv) Define and describe the difference between stable and unstable diabetes;
(E) Diabetes care by managing blood glucose levels, with the successful learner able to:
(i) List three carbohydrate choices used to treat hypoglycemia;
(ii) Describe measures to prevent hypoglycemia;
(iii) Describe the relationship between blood glucose levels and indications for
glucagon use;
(iv) Describe measures to prevent hyperglycemia; and
(v) State when to contact and what to report to a licensed health care provider;
(F) Charting, graphing, and record-keeping, with the successful learner able to:
(i) Explain the reason for accurate documentation of all aspects of diabetes
management and care, including blood glucose results, quality control testing,
medication administration, and adverse reactions;
(ii) Identify correct forms for documentation; and
(iii) Demonstrate the ability to accurately document diabetes management and care;
(G) Diabetic medications and adverse reactions (Insulin), with the successful learner able
to:
(i) Describe the purpose of insulin;
(ii) State the types of insulin and each onset, peak and duration of action;
(iii) Explain the difference between basal and bolus insulin; and
(iv) State common side effects, adverse reactions and precautions for insulins;
(H) Diabetic medications and adverse reactions (Oral agents), with the successful learner
able to:
(i) Describe the purpose, action and recommended doses of each oral agent; and
(ii) State common side effects, adverse reactions and precautions for each oral
agent;
(I) Administration of diabetic medications, with the successful learner able to:
(i) State the correct administration times for insulin and oral agents relevant to
meals and mechanisms of action;
(ii) Identify the preferred sites for an insulin injection and describe site rotation
patterns;
(iii) Discuss the proper storage of insulin;
(iv) Demonstrate the accurate measurement and correct technique for preparation of
a single and a mixed dose of insulin;
(v) Explain why it is required to check insulin type and dose drawn with another
certified medication aide or licensed health care provider; and
(vi) Demonstrate administration of a dose of insulin (or saline) to self or another
person and/or to a training mannequin appropriate for injections during classroom
training; and
(vii) Demonstrate administration of a dose of insulin (or saline) to self or another
person during supervised practical training;
(J) Infection control and universal precautions for blood borne pathogens, with the
successful learner able to:
(i) Define the term "universal precautions";
(ii) Demonstrate safe handling of syringes, needles, pen devices, glucometer
equipment and test strips, lancing devices and lancets; and
(iii) Explain proper disposal of used syringes, needles, test strips and lancets; and
(3) Return demonstrations of skill with a proficiency of 100% and didactic testing measuring
curriculum knowledge at 90% or greater.
(d) The advanced training program for administration of medications and nutrition via nasogastric and
gastrostomy tubes, and for administration of oral metered dose inhalers and nebulizers, shall include:
(1) A combined minimum of eight (8) hours of classroom and supervised practical training;
(2) Training in at least the following subject areas:
(A) Gastrointestinal system and alternative methods for providing medications and
nourishment;
(B) Nasogastric and gastrostomy equipment and supplies;
(C) Procedures and techniques for insertion of nasogastric tube by a licensed nurse, and
assessment of patient by registered nurse after placement of nasogastric or gastrostomy
tube and before administration of medication or feedings;
(D) Procedures and techniques for checking stomach contents through a gastrostomy tube
prior to the administration of medication and/or feedings per licensed nurse delegation,
when assessment of gastrostomy tube placement and assessment of resident status by a
licensed nurse is not indicated based on the resident's current assessment and care plan
and/or status and condition;
(E) Methods and techniques for administration of medications and nutrition via nasogastric
and gastrostomy tubes;
(F) Identification of and responses to potential problems associated with administration of
medications and nutrition via nasogastric and gastrostomy tubes;
(G) Respiratory system and methods for delivery of medications;
(H) Equipment and supplies for administration of medication via metered dose inhalers and
nebulizers;
(I) Methods and techniques for administering medications via metered dose inhalers and
nebulizers; and
(J) Identification of and responses to potential problems associated with administration of
medications via metered dose inhalers and nebulizers; and
(3) Return demonstrations of skill with a proficiency of 100% and didactic testing measuring
curriculum knowledge at 90% or greater.
(e) The advanced training program for care of diabetes and the monitoring of blood glucose only, with no
administration of insulin by CMAs, shall include:
(1) A minimum of six (6) hours of classroom training and a minimum of two hours of supervised
practical training;
(2) Training in the subject areas identified in subparagraphs (c)(2)(A), (B), (C), (D), (E), (F) and (J)
of this section; and
(3) Return demonstrations of skill with a proficiency of 100% and didactic testing measuring
curriculum knowledge at 90% or greater.
(f) The advanced training program for administration of medications and nutrition via nasogastric and
gastrostomy tubes only, with no administration via oral metered dose inhalers and nebulizers, shall include:
(1) A combined minimum of four (4) hours of classroom training and two (2) hours of supervised
practical training;
(2) Training in the subject areas identified in subparagraphs (d)(2)(A), (B), (C), (D) and (E) of this
section; and
(3) Return demonstrations of skill with a proficiency of 100% and didactic testing measuring
curriculum knowledge at 80% or greater.
(g) The advanced training program for administration of oral metered dose inhalers and nebulizers only,
with no administration via nasogastric and gastrostomy tubes, shall include:
(1) A combined minimum of two (2) hours of classroom training and one (1) hour of supervised
practical training;
(2) Training in the subject areas identified in subparagraphs (d)(2)(F), (G), (H) and (I) of this
section; and
(3) Return demonstrations of skill with a proficiency of 100% and didactic testing measuring
curriculum knowledge at 80% or greater.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 23 Ok Reg 559, eff 12-22-05 (emergency); Amended at 23 Ok Reg 2422, eff 6-25-06;
Amended at 24 Ok Reg 2045, eff 6-25-07]
310:677-13-5. Competency and skills examination
(a) The following shall apply to the written competency examination.
(1) The examination shall be drawn from a pool of test questions that address the course
requirements.
(2) The examination shall be administered and scored by a Department approved entity.
(3) The examination shall comply with the examination administration requirements in OAC
310:677-3-9.
(4) A minimum score of seventy percent (70%) shall be required to pass the written competency
examination for certification as a medication aide.
(5) A minimum score of eighty percent (80%) shall be required to pass the written competency
examination for insulin administration.
(6) A candidate who fails to score at least the required minimum on three consecutive written
competency examinations shall be required to retrain before retesting.
(b) The following shall apply to the skills demonstration.
(1) The skills demonstration shall be performed in a laboratory or a site comparable to the setting
in which the certified medication aide will function.
(2) The skills demonstration shall be administered and scored by a physician, licensed nurse or
registered pharmacist.
(3) The student shall achieve one hundred (100) percent accuracy on a medication pass on at least
twenty (20) or more individuals under direct observation by an instructor.
(4) The successful completion of the medication pass shall be documented and retained in the
certified medication aide's training file.
(5) The skills demonstration shall comply with the administration requirements in OAC 310:677-3-
9 and the content requirements in OAC 310:677-3-10.
(c) The competency and skills examination program shall obtain a written attestation of compliance with
OAC 310:677-13-8(a) from each candidate for medication aide certification before administering the
examination to the candidate. The Department shall make available a form that examination entities may
use to obtain attestations from testing candidates.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02; Amended at 23 Ok Reg 559, eff 12-22-05 (emergency);
Amended at 23 Ok Reg 2422, eff 6-25-06; Amended at 24 Ok Reg 2045, eff 6-25-07]
310:677-13-6. Competency and practice standards
(a) Each certified medication aide must function under the supervision of a licensed nurse or physician.
(b) Each certified medication aide shall:
(1) Comply with 63 O.S. Section 1-1950.3(E) and OAC 310:677-13;
(2) Perform within authorized duties;
(3) Follow written instructions of a licensed nurse or physician; and
(4) Accurately record medications administered, withheld or refused.
(c) Each certified medication aide shall demonstrate understanding of the CMA's relationship to licensed
nurses and physicians, including:
(1) The authority of physicians, physician assistants and advanced practice nurses to order
medications and treatments;
(2) The authority of registered nurses to perform assessments and report to physicians;
(3) The authority of licensed practical nurses to perform focused reviews and report to registered
nurses and physicians; and
(4) The functions of the certified medication aide authorized in 63 O.S. Section 1-1950.3(E) and
OAC 310:677-13-7.
(d) Each certified medication aide shall:
(1) Pass written and clinical skills tests prior to performing as a certified medication aide; and
(2) Demonstrate competency and complete required continuing education that is relevant to the
services being provided by the certified medication aide.
[Source: Added at 23 Ok Reg 559, eff 12-22-05 (emergency); Added at 23 Ok Reg 2422, eff 6-25-06]
310:677-13-7. Skills and functions
(a) Task assignments. Approved training programs and facilities, centers and homes shall ensure that a task
selected, taught and assigned to certified medication aides conforms to 63 O.S. Section 1-1950.3 and OAC
310:677-13.
(b) Limitations. A certified medication aide shall not:
(1) Administer medication that requires assessment unless a registered nurse is available to perform
the assessment within the required time;
(2) Perform oral, nasal or tracheal suctioning;
(3) Apply topical wound care medications that involve decubitus treatment ordered by the
attending physician;
(4) Act as preceptor for a medication aide in training;
(5) Administer PRN medication without a documented assessment unless authorization is obtained
from a licensed nurse on duty or on call, and unless fully documented by the certified medication
aide;
(6) Perform blood glucose testing unless the CMA has completed a Department-approved
advanced training program and has demonstrated competency for care of diabetes;
(7) Administer insulin unless the CMA has successfully completed a Department-approved
advanced training program and competency and skills examination, and unless a physician or
licensed nurse is on-site if the individual:
(A) Is newly diagnosed with diabetes;
(B) Requires insulin administration based on blood glucose levels and does not have clear
physician orders for variable or sliding scale insulin; or
(C) Has unstable diabetes; or
(8) Administer medications or nutrition via nasogastric or gastrostomy tubes, or administer oral
metered dose inhalers or nebulizers, unless the CMA has completed a Department-approved
advanced training program and has demonstrated competency for such services; or
(9) Take or note physician orders.
(c) Skills review. The facility, center or home shall validate certified medication aide skills before the
certified medication aide performs medication administration. The certified medication aides' skills shall
be reviewed annually for performance competency.
(d) Functions. The functions of the certified medication aide are:
(1) Knowing the resident, including:
(A) Reviewing the resident's plan of care; and
(B) Recognizing normal and abnormal conditions for the specific resident;
(2) Collection and documentation of data;
(3) Identifying a change in condition;
(4) Reporting to the licensed nurse and/or physician;
(5) Contacting emergency medical services;
(6) Receiving facility-specific training and orientation from the facility's licensed nurse;
(7) Demonstrating competency and proficiency to the facility's licensed nurse; and
(8) Receiving delegated tasks from the facility licensed nurse, and performing based upon such
delegation.
[Source: Added at 23 Ok Reg 559, eff 12-22-05 (emergency); Added at 23 Ok Reg 2422, eff 6-25-06]
310:677-13-8. Certification and recertification
(a) Effective August 1, 2006, the following, to be evidenced by the aide's attestation, are prerequisites for
certification as a medication aide:
(1) Minimum age: 18;
(2) Minimum education: high school or general equivalency diploma;
(3) Current Oklahoma nurse aide certification with no abuse notations;
(4) Experience working as a certified nurse aide for six months; and
(5) Physical and mental capability to safely perform duties.
(b) Application criteria and processing requirements for recertification are as follows:
(1) The certified medication aide shall submit a Recertification Application (ODH Form 717) that
requires information to demonstrate compliance with 310:677-13-1(d).
(2) The Recertification Application (ODH Form 717) shall be accompanied by a ten dollar
($10.00) fee.
(3) Each recertification shall be effective for twelve months from the expiration date of the
medication aide's previous certification.
(4) The medication aide shall be required to retest if certification has expired by more than one
year. The individual may obtain approval to take a retest by filing a Certified Medication Aide
Retest Application (ODH Form 842) with a fifteen dollar ($15.00) nonrefundable fee. The aide
shall retrain and test if the aide fails the retest or if certification has expired by more than three
years.
(5) The Recertification Application (ODH Form 717) for a medication aide shall include
documentation of continuing education equivalent to eight hours for every twelve months of
certification, excluding the first year of certification.
(c) A certified medication aide who completes a Department-approved advanced training program and
demonstrates competence may request a Department-issued certificate that bears an endorsement for the
advanced training. When an advanced-training certificate is issued by the Department to a certified
medication aide, a notation reflecting the advanced training shall be placed on the aide's record in the
Nurse Aide Registry. A request for endorsement shall be accompanied by a ten dollar ($10.00)
endorsement fee and proof of training and competence on an application form that requires:
(1) The name and contact information for the certified medication aide; and
(2) The name of the training program, dates of attendance, details on the CMA's demonstration of
competence, and copies of documents from the program confirming training and competence.
[Source: Added at 23 Ok Reg 559, eff 12-22-05 (emergency); Added at 23 Ok Reg 2422, eff 6-25-06; Amended at 24 Ok Reg 2045, eff 6-25-07; Amended
at 26 Ok Reg 2068, eff 6-25-09]
310:677-13-9. Training and Competency Evaluation Programs
(a) Department approval of the training and competency evaluation program is required prior to offering
training.
(b) The program must submit information on a form provided by the Department to include:
(1) Name and address for the entity sponsoring the program and for the contact person for the
program;
(2) The location of the administrative office of the program and the location where records are
maintained;
(3) Position descriptions and education and experience requirements for training supervisors and
instructors, and the program's procedure for ensuring that supervisors and instructors satisfy such
descriptions and requirements.
(4) Standards for classroom and clinical facilities;
(5) Program outline, with objectives, curriculum, and instruction methods, and demonstration that
the program addresses skills and functions specified in OAC 310:677-13-7; and
(6) Evaluation methods, including lab and clinical skills checklists, and examinations.
(c) Department approved training programs shall be evaluated every three years. Between evaluations, the
training program shall send the Department advance notice of changes in previously approved program
information.
(d) Each program is subject to site visits by the Department.
(e) Within 30 days after receipt of an application for a program that is not currently approved, the
Department shall determine if the application is complete and consistent. If the application is incomplete or
inconsistent, the Department shall advise the applicant in writing and offer an opportunity to submit
additional information. Within 30 days after completeness, the Department shall approve or disapprove the
application. If the action is to disapprove, the Department shall advise the applicant in writing of the
specific reasons for the disapproval, and offer an opportunity to demonstrate compliance.
(f) The Department may withdraw approval or refuse to renew approval of a training program based on the
program's noncompliance with 63 O.S. Section 1-1950.3 or 1-1951, or OAC 310:677. The Department
shall notify the program of the intent to withdraw or not renew approval. The notice shall cite the specific
reasons for the action and offer the applicant an opportunity to demonstrate compliance. Prior to the
effectiveness of the withdrawal or non-renewal, the Department shall offer the program an opportunity for
a hearing. After the withdrawal or non-renewal, the Department may oversee orderly closure of a program.
(g) Training modules in addition to the minimums for certified medication aide training shall be submitted
for Department approval as training programs prior to offering training.
(h) For advanced training programs for care of diabetes, the Department shall deem as acceptable the use
of training materials approved by the American Diabetes Educators Association, Oklahoma Chapters.
[Source: Added at 23 Ok Reg 559, eff 12-22-05 (emergency); Added at 23 Ok Reg 2422, eff 6-25-06; Amended at 24 Ok Reg 2045, eff 6-25-07]
310:677-13-10. Denial, suspension, withdrawal, and nonrenewal of certification
(a) Grounds for certification action against a certified medication aide may include:
(1) Intentionally providing false or misleading information to a training program, a facility, or the
Department;
(2) Failing to administer medications as ordered by a health care professional, with resulting actual
harm that is either life threatening or has a negative outcome for the resident;
(3) Failing to consistently document medications;
(4) Altering or falsifying medication records;
(5) Altering or falsifying certified nurse aide or certified medication aide identification cards;
(6) Diverting drugs;
(7) Practicing nursing or medicine except as authorized pursuant to 63 O.S. Section 1-1950.3, 1-
1951, OAC 310:677, and Oklahoma laws and rules specific to the CMA's employer as specified in
OAC 310:677-13-2;
(8) Representing oneself as certified medication aide without current certification;
(9) Administering medications in a setting other than those authorized in 63 O.S. Section 1-
1950.3(E); or
(10) Materially failing to conform to 63 O.S. Section 1-1950.3(E) and OAC 310:677-13.
(b) The Department may deny, suspend, withdraw or not renew certification of a medication aide based on
the aide's noncompliance with 63 O.S. Section 1-1950.3 or 1-1951, or OAC 310:677. The Department
shall notify the aide of the intent to deny, suspend, withdraw or not renew certification. The notice shall
cite the specific reasons for the action and offer the aide an opportunity to demonstrate compliance. Prior
to the effectiveness of the denial, suspension, withdrawal, or nonrenewal of certification, the Department
shall offer the aide an opportunity for a hearing.
(c) The suspension of a certificate shall be effective for not less than six months, and a denial, withdrawal
or nonrenewal of a certification shall be effective for not less than one year. The Department shall specify
the duration of the denial, suspension, withdrawal or nonrenewal of certification in excess of the
minimums based on the seriousness of the underlying violation and the likelihood that the aide will
maintain compliance in the future.
[Source: Added at 23 Ok Reg 559, eff 12-22-05 (emergency); Added at 23 Ok Reg 2422, eff 6-25-06]
310:677-13-11. Facility policies and procedures
(a) If a facility uses certified medication aides, facility policies and procedures shall address:
(1) Methods that the facility, center or home uses to ensure that training, skill validation, and task
assignment procedures are approved and implemented;
(2) Licensed supervision, oversight and availability;
(3) Staff intervention during an emergency;
(4) Procedures for responding when a resident experiences a change in condition, demonstrates
side effects or does not respond to the medication regimen as identified in the plan of care;
(5) Documentation that must be maintained;
(6) Reporting errors to licensed nurses and/or physicians; and
(7) Reporting violations of 63 O.S. Section 1-1950.3(E) and OAC 310:677 to the State Health
Department.
(b) If a facility uses certified medication aides that have completed an advanced training program and
demonstrated competency for care of diabetes or other specialized training modules, the facility policies
and procedures shall address subsection (a) of this section and:
(1) Standards for monitoring and assessments of residents by a registered nurse or physician,
including:
(A) Frequency of monitoring and assessment;
(B) Distinguishing between Type I and Type II diabetes, and stable and unstable diabetes;
(2) Validating CMA skills before the CMA performs medication administration, and annual
reviews of CMA performance competency and proficiency by the facility nurse;
(3) Procedures for blood sugar testing;
(4) Collecting data;
(5) Charting, graphing and recording data;
(6) Standards for reporting to the licensed nurse or physician on a timely basis, including:
(A) Recognition of abnormal resident reactions;
(B) Contact procedures, on-call hours, and response times; and
(C) Medication administration errors, including the wrong patient, drug, date, time, dosage,
route or form;
(7) Contacting emergency medical services;
(8) Training, orientation and delegation of tasks from the facility's nurse;
(9) Drawing up insulin;
(10) Following physician orders, including use of sliding scale orders prescribed by physicians;
(11) Safety and infection control; and
(12) Minimum qualifications for CMAs and facility screening of applicants, to include assurance
that each certified medication aide has the physical and mental capability to safely perform duties.
[Source: Added at 23 Ok Reg 559, eff 12-22-05 (emergency); Added at 23 Ok Reg 2422, eff 6-25-06]
310:677-13-12. Medication aide continuing education
(a) An entity seeking approval of a certified medication aide continuing education program shall file a
nonrefundable application fee of seventy-five dollars ($75.00) and a Certified Medication Aide Continuing
Education Form, which requires the following:
(b) Within 30 days after receipt of an application for a continuing education program that is not currently
approved, the Department shall determine if the application is complete and consistent. If the application is
incomplete or inconsistent, the Department shall advise the applicant in writing and offer an opportunity to
submit additional information. Within 30 days after completeness, the Department shall approve or
disapprove the application. If the action is to disapprove, the Department shall advise the applicant in
writing of the specific reasons for the disapproval, and offer an opportunity to demonstrate compliance.
(c) Department-approved continuing education programs shall be evaluated every three years. Between
evaluations, the training program shall send the Department advance notice of changes in previously
approved program information.
(d) An approved continuing education program shall submit to the Department within 30 days after the
conclusion of a continuing education class the following information:
(1) The title of the class and number of hours offered;
(2) The name, certification number, and number of hours attended for each certified medication
aide who satisfactorily completed the continuing education class.
[Source: Amended at 24 Ok Reg 2045, eff 6-25-07; Amended at 26 Ok Reg 2068, eff 6-25-09]
SUBCHAPTER 15. ICF/IID CARE AIDES
310:677-15-1. Deemed to meet state certification requirements
(a) A certified ICF/IID care aide is deemed to meet the nurse aide certification requirements for the
following employers after successful completion of at least sixteen (16) hours of orientation specific to the
facility population. Documentation of the sixteen (16) hours of orientation shall be submitted to the
Department and the certified ICF/IID care aide will be placed on the registry as a certified residential care
aide or a certified adult day care aide. The employers to which this subsection applies are:
(1) Residential care.
(2) Adult day care.
(b) The Department shall deem a certified long term care aide or a home care aide who has at least sixteen
(16) hours of training specific to individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities to meet the
requirements for an ICF/IID care aide. Documentation of the sixteen (16) hours of training shall be
submitted to the Department and the certified long term care nurse aide or the certified home care nurse
aide will be added to the registry as being certified as a ICF/IID care aide.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 1455, eff 9-11-20]
310:677-15-2. Instructor qualifications
(a) The instructor for training ICF/IID care aides shall be a licensed nurse or a qualified intellectual
disability professional who has at least one (1) year experience in the provision of services in a facility for
the developmentally disabled.
(b) Other personnel from the health professions may supplement the instructor as required by the
curriculum.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 1455, eff 9-11-20]
310:677-15-3. Curriculum
(a) The ICF/IID care aide training program shall include at least seventy-five (75) hours of classroom and
supervised practical training or the equivalent.
(b) The ICF/IID care aide training program shall include, but is not limited to, each of the following
subject areas:
(1) Ethical conduct.
(2) Resident's rights.
(3) Principles of safety.
(4) Infection control techniques.
(5) Nutrition and hydration.
(6) Elements and changes of body functions.
(7) Basic nursing skills.
(8) Communication skills.
(9) Mobility.
(10) Hygiene, personal care, and comfort.
(11) Terminology, principles, and concepts of cognitive impairment.
(A) Characteristics of cognitive impairment.
(B) Discern between different levels of intellectual disability.
(C) Principles of assessment tools.
(D) Terminology of active treatment.
(12) Psychosocial needs.
(A) Behavioral management techniques.
(B) Identification of psychosocial needs.
(C) Death and dying.
(D) Recognizing deviant behavior.
(E) Socialization skills.
(13) Independent living skills.
(A) Promoting physical and mental independence.
(B) Promoting principles of normalization and community integration.
(14) Active treatment components.
(A) Interdisciplinary team concepts and roles.
(B) Components of individual program plans.
(C) Using individual program plans.
(D) Proper documentation techniques.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 1455, eff 9-11-20]
310:677-15-4. Competency and skills examination
(a) The written or oral examination shall be administered by a Department approved program. The skills
examination shall be performed in a facility or laboratory setting comparable to the setting in which the
individual will function as a ICF/IID care aide.
(b) The clinical skills observer shall be a licensed nurse or a qualified intellectual disability professional.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 1455, eff 9-11-20]
310:677-15-5. Recertification
(a) The training program shall inform the certified ICF/IID care aide that they shall complete a new nurse
aide training and competency examination or competency examination if, upon applying for renewal of
certification, the nurse aide has not provided at least eight (8) hours of nursing or health related services for
compensation during the previous twenty-four (24) months.
(b) The ICF/IID shall ensure that all certifications are current and not expired.
[Source: Added at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 1455, eff 9-11-20]
SUBCHAPTER 17. RESIDENTIAL CARE AIDES
310:677-17-1. Deemed to meet state certification requirements
(a) The Department shall deem a certified residential care aide to meet the adult day care program aides
certification requirements after successful completion of at least sixteen (16) hours of training specific to
the facility population.
(b) The Department shall deem a certified long term care aide, a certified home care aide or a certified
ICF/IID care aide who has at least sixteen (16) hours of training specific to the residential care population
to meet the requirements for a certified residential care aide. Documentation of the sixteen (16) hours of
training shall be submitted to the Department and the certified nurse aide will be listed on the registry as a
certified residential care aide.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 1455, eff 9-11-20]
310:677-17-2. Instructor qualifications
(a) The instructor for the training of residential care aides shall be a licensed nurse who has at least one (1)
year experience in the provision of residential or health care services.
(b) Other personnel from the health professions may supplement the instructor as required by the
curriculum.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-17-3. Curriculum
(a) The residential care aide training program shall include at least forty-five (45) hours of classroom and
supervised practical training or the equivalent.
(b) The residential care aide training program shall include, but is not limited, to each of the following
subject areas:
(1) Ethical behaviors.
(2) Legal behaviors.
(3) Principles of safety.
(4) Proper body mechanics.
(5) Providing a safe environment.
(6) Infection control.
(7) Principles of nutrition and hydration.
(8) Body functions.
(9) Age-related changes.
(10) Mobility.
(11) Psychosocial needs.
(12) Communication skills.
(13) Resident behaviors.
(14) Basic nursing skills.
(15) Recognize, document, and report abnormal findings.
(16) Recognize and document indications of illness.
(17) Hygiene and personal care.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-17-4. Competency and skills examination
(a) The written or oral examination shall be administered by a Department approved program. The skills
examination may be performed in a facility or laboratory setting comparable to the setting in which the
individual will function as a residential care aide.
(b) The clinical skills observer shall be a licensed nurse.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-17-5. Recertification
(a) The training program shall inform the certified residential care aide that they shall complete a new
nurse aide training and competency examination or competency examination if, upon reapplying for
renewal of certification, the Department determines that the nurse aide has not provided at least eight (8)
hours of nursing or health related services for compensation during the previous twenty-four (24) months.
(b) The residential care facility shall ensure that all certifications are current and not expired.
[Source: Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
SUBCHAPTER 19. ADULT DAY CARE PROGRAM AIDES
310:677-19-1. Deemed to meet state certification requirements
(a) The Department shall deem a certified adult day care program aide to meet the nurse aide certification
requirements for a residential care employer after successful completion of at least sixteen (16) hours of
training specific to the facility population. Documentation of the sixteen (16) hours shall be submitted to
the Department and the certified adult day care aide will be placed on the registry as a certified residential
care aide.
(b) The Department shall deem a certified long term care aide, a certified home care aide or a certified
ICF/IID care aide who has at least sixteen (16) hours of training specific to the adult day care population to
meet the requirements for certification as an adult day care aide. Documentation of the sixteen (16) hours
of training shall be submitted to the Department and the certified long term care aide, certified home care
aide or certified ICF/IID care aide shall be certified as a certified adult day care aide.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02; Amended at 37 Ok Reg 1455, eff 9-11-20]
310:677-19-2. Instructor qualification
(a) The instructor for the training of adult day care program aides shall be an individual who has training
experience and a strong knowledge of adult day care acquired through education or experience.
(b) Other personnel from the health professions may supplement the instructor as required by the
curriculum.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95]
310:677-19-3. Curriculum
(a) The adult day care aide training program shall include at least forty-five (45) hours of classroom and
supervised practical training or the equivalent.
(b) The adult day care aide training program shall include, but is not limited to, each of the following
subject areas:
(1) Ethical behaviors.
(2) Legal behaviors.
(3) Client rights.
(4) Principles of safety to participant care.
(5) Demonstrating disaster and fire procedures.
(6) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid procedures.
(7) Body mechanics.
(8) Infection control.
(9) Nutrition and hydration.
(10) Special diets.
(11) Sanitary food preparation and storage.
(12) Body functions and age related changes.
(13) Identifying changes related to the disease process.
(14) Psychosocial needs.
(15) Communication skills.
(16) Mobility.
(17) Assistive devices.
(18) Assisting with range of motion exercises.
(19) Hygiene, personal care, and comfort.
(20) Providing assistance in program delivery.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-19-4. Competency and skills examination
The written or oral examination shall be administered by a Department approved program. The
skills examination may be performed in a facility or laboratory setting comparable to the setting in which
the individual will function as an adult day care program aide.
[Source: Added at 12 Ok Reg 3087, eff 7-27-95; Amended at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]
310:677-19-5. Recertification
(a) The training program shall inform the certified adult day care aide that they shall complete a new nurse
aide training and competency examination program or competency examination if, upon applying for
renewal of certification, the Department determines that the nurse aide has not provided at least eight (8)
hours of nursing or health related services for compensation during the previous twenty-four (24) months.
(b) The adult day care center shall ensure that each certification is current and not expired.
[Source: Added at 19 Ok Reg 2106, eff 6-27-02]