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Bill

Bill

HB 1214

RELATING TO TAXATION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Elijah Pierick

HB 1214 raises qualifications for primary instructors in long-term care, ensuring better training for nursing assistants and improving care quality in Arkansas facilities.

Referred to ECD, CPC, FIN, referral sheet 4
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Bill Summary · HB 1214

Summary of House Bill 1214 (HB 1214)

Overview

House Bill 1214 (HB 1214) is a legislative proposal introduced in the Arkansas General Assembly aimed at amending the definition of "primary instructor" within the Long-Term Care Aide Training Act. The bill seeks to enhance the qualifications required for individuals serving as primary instructors in long-term care settings.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HB 1214 is to ensure that primary instructors in long-term care facilities possess adequate experience and training to effectively educate nursing assistants. By refining the qualifications, the bill aims to improve the quality of care provided in long-term care settings across Arkansas.

Key Provisions

The bill proposes the following amendments to the Arkansas Code § 20-10-702:

  1. Definition of General Nursing Experience:

    • Clarifies that "general nursing experience" includes various forms of employment, such as internships and supervision of nursing students, in settings like nursing facilities, home healthcare, and hospice care.
  2. Definition of Long-Term Care Facility:

    • Expands the definition to include various types of facilities that provide long-term medical or personal care, such as nursing homes, residential care facilities, and adult daycare facilities.
  3. Qualifications for Primary Instructors:

    • A primary instructor must be a registered nurse who:
      • Is licensed in Arkansas or holds a multistate privilege to practice.
      • Has no disciplinary actions against their license.
      • Possesses at least two years of general nursing experience, including one year in long-term care within the last ten years.
      • Completes an annual eight-hour class authorized by the Department of Human Services on relevant laws, best practices, and common issues in long-term care.

Impact

The changes proposed in HB 1214 would primarily affect:
- Registered Nurses: Those aspiring to become primary instructors in long-term care settings will need to meet the updated qualifications.
- Long-Term Care Facilities: Facilities will benefit from having better-trained instructors, potentially leading to improved care for residents.
- Nursing Assistants: Enhanced training and education for nursing assistants may lead to better patient outcomes in long-term care environments.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: January 23, 2025
  • Committee Actions: The bill was referred to the Public Health, Welfare and Labor Committee and subsequently passed through various readings and votes.
  • Final Actions: The bill was passed by both the House and Senate and was correctly enrolled for transmission to the Governor's Office on February 13, 2025.

Conclusion

HB 1214 represents a significant step towards improving the standards of education and training for primary instructors in long-term care facilities in Arkansas. By establishing clearer qualifications, the bill aims to enhance the quality of care provided to residents in these facilities.

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

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