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H 2381

An Act relative to creating accessible CNA training

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tackey Chan

Requires CNA training to be delivered in languages other than English, while preserving a 60-hour minimum; Department of Public Health will determine which languages are offered.

Reporting date extended to Friday, July 31, 2026
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Bill Summary · H 2381

Summary of House Bill H.2381: An Act relative to creating accessible CNA training

Overview

H.2381, introduced February 27, 2025 by Representative Tackey Chan (Quincy), proposes adding a multilingual dimension to the existing CNA (nurses’ aide) training standards in Massachusetts. The bill is currently in the committee process, having been reported favorably by a committee and referred to the Health Care Financing Committee after initial approval in the House. The companion bill is HD 1362.

Purpose and intent

  • Expand accessibility of CNA training to non-English speakers.
  • Ensure that the core CNA training requirement remains a minimum of 60 hours, while mandating delivery of training in languages other than English, and giving the Department of Public Health (via the commissioner) the authority to determine which languages will be offered.

Key provisions

  • Amends Section 72W of Chapter 111 of the General Laws (as appeared in the 2022 Official Edition).
  • Adds language to require that CNA training be delivered in languages other than English.
  • Specific examples cited: Spanish, Chinese, Haitian Creole.
  • The department shall determine which languages the training shall be offered.
  • The existing framework requiring a minimum of 60 hours of training remains in place, with the additional multilingual delivery requirement.

Who is affected

  • CNA students and trainees (nursing assistants) seeking licensure or certification in Massachusetts.
  • Long-term care facilities, nursing homes, and other settings employing CNAs, which would need to adapt training programs and materials to meet multilingual requirements.
  • Training providers and the Department of Public Health (and related boards) responsible for establishing and overseeing CNA training standards.

Implementation and timeline

  • The core standard of at least 60 hours of CNA training stays in place.
  • Multilingual delivery would be implemented as part of the training standards once enacted.
  • Legislative actions indicate hearings and committee consideration in 2025, with a reported favorable status and referrals to Health Care Financing for further action. Specific hearing dates noted include June 23, 2025.
  • The bill references the existing process where the commissioner, in consultation with the secretary of elder affairs and the board of registration, sets training standards; the new language adds a requirement on multilingual delivery.

Administrative and fiscal considerations

  • No explicit funding details are provided in the text; impacts would likely involve translation and multilingual instructional resources, and potential cost considerations for training providers and facilities.
  • Departmental authority is clear: the department determines which languages will be offered.

Legislative history and status

  • House Docket No. 2381; introduced 2/27/2025.
  • Referred to Public Health; Senate concurrence indicated on the same date in the provided record.
  • Reported favorably by committee and referred to the Health Care Financing Committee on 10/29/2025.
  • Related bill: HD 1362 (the replacing/companion measure).

Why it matters

By mandating multilingual CNA training, the bill aims to reduce language barriers in critical caregiving roles, potentially improving care quality, patient safety, and workforce accessibility in Massachusetts’ long-term care sector.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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