An Act relative to creating accessible CNA training

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

Requires CNA training to be offered in languages beyond English (Dept to decide which languages), while preserving the 60-hour minimum, expanding access and workforce diversity.

Overview

This Massachusetts bill, HD 1362, titled “An Act relative to creating accessible CNA training,” proposes enhancing the accessibility of certified nursing assistant (CNA) training for long-term care facilities by requiring multilingual delivery of training and giving the state Department of Public Health (and related agencies) authority to determine which languages will be offered. The bill was introduced in the 2025-2026 legislative session and is filed as a petition by Representative Tackey Chan.

What the bill would do (Key provisions)

Modify CNA training standards (as part of Section 72W of Chapter 111) to require that CNA training be delivered in languages other than English.

Provide examples of languages to include (at least Spanish, Chinese, and Haitian Creole) and give the department the authority to determine which languages will be offered.

Preserve the existing framework that the commissioner, after consultation with the secretary of elder affairs and the board of registration, shall establish standards for the training of nurses’ aides, including a minimum of 60 hours of training. The new language-access requirement sits alongside this 60-hour minimum.

Who is affected

Prospective and current CNAs who are non-English speakers or who prefer training in languages other than English.

Long-term care facilities and other employers that provide CNA training or hire CNAs.

State regulatory bodies involved in CNA training standards, including the Department of Public Health (the “commissioner”), the secretary of elder affairs, and the board of registration.

Training providers and nursing facilities that must ensure training programs comply with multilingual delivery requirements.

Implications and potential impact

Accessibility and equity: Expands access to CNA training for individuals who are more proficient in languages other than English, potentially broadening the workforce pool.

Workforce diversity and capacity: Could improve recruitment and retention in long-term care settings by removing language barriers.

Operational considerations: Training programs would need to develop or source multilingual curricula, materials, and instructors; translation/interpretation resources and ongoing quality assurance may be required.

Regulatory implications: Agencies would determine which languages to offer, monitor compliance, and ensure training still meets the 60-hour minimum standard.

Timeline and procedural notes

Legislative status: The bill is part of the 2025-2026 General Court (One Hundred Ninety-Fourth General Court). It was introduced as House No. 2381 and House Docket No. 1362, filed January 14, 2025.

Effective date: Not specified in the provided text; enactment would require approval by the Legislature and signature by the Governor, with the typical effective date set in the final statute.

Language determination: The department has the authority to determine which languages to offer, following the new provision.

Summary takeaway

HD 1362 seeks to make CNA training more accessible by mandating multilingual delivery of training components beyond English, while maintaining the existing 60-hour training standard. If enacted, the bill would place more responsibility on state agencies to decide languages and ensure programs are inclusive, with potential positive effects on workforce diversity and quality of care in long-term care facilities.

Bill