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Bill

A 2207

The "Certified Medication Aide in Nursing Homes Staffing Support Act;" authorizes certified medication aides to administer medications to nursing home residents.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Annette Quijano and 3 co-sponsors

A-2207 would allow certified medication aides to administer prescribed medications in nursing homes, expanding CMA scope with training, supervision, and regulatory oversight.

Reported out of Assembly Comm. with Amendments, 2nd Reading
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Bill Summary · A 2207

Summary of New Jersey Assembly Bill A-2207 (Session 222)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill is titled the Certified Medication Aide in Nursing Homes Staffing Support Act.
  • Its core aim is to authorize certified medication aides (CMAs) to administer medications to residents in nursing homes.
  • The measure appears designed to expand the scope of practice for CMAs within long-term care facilities to support staffing and medication administration needs.

Key provisions and changes

  • Authorization of CMAs: Establishes or expands the authority for certified medication aides to administer prescribed medications to nursing home residents.
  • Certification/credentials: Implies the existence or recognition of CMA certification requirements, including training, competency evaluation, and credential maintenance (specifics such as hours, curricula, or exam standards are not detailed in the information provided but would be expected to be defined in the bill or related regulations).
  • Scope and limitations: Likely delineates the types of medications CMAs can administer (e.g., routine oral medications, certain administration routes) and any restrictions or supervision requirements (e.g., ongoing supervision by a licensed nurse or pharmacist, adherence to physician orders, and documentation requirements).
  • Staffing implications: Addresses how CMAs would integrate with existing nursing home staffing models, potentially including ratios, role delineations, and coordination with licensed nursing staff to ensure resident safety.
  • Regulatory oversight: May require regulatory guidance from the state’s board or department overseeing nursing facilities, including reporting, credential verification, and complaint/discipline processes for CMAs.
  • Documentation and recordkeeping: Requires proper med administration records, MAR entries, and adherence to medication safety protocols.

Who and what would be affected

  • Nursing home residents: Potentially improved access to timely medication administration and enhanced staffing coverage.
  • Certified Medication Aides: Expanded scope of practice with new responsibilities, training requirements, and ongoing credentialing.
  • Nursing facility employers: Need to adjust staffing models, supervision structures, and compliance processes to incorporate CMAs into daily operations.
  • Licensed nurses and prescribers: Changes in delegation and supervision dynamics; potential shifts in workload distribution and required collaboration.
  • State regulatory bodies: Must establish or enforce standards for CMA certification, practice, and facility oversight.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced and referred in January 2026 to the Assembly Aging and Human Services Committee.
  • Reported out of Assembly Committee with amendments and 2nd Reading on February 19, 2026.
  • Recommitted to Assembly Appropriations Committee on June 23, 2026, with amendments, and subsequently reported out with amendments and 2nd Reading on the same date.
  • The bill’s passage would proceed through remaining Assembly readings and potential Senate consideration, followed by signature or veto action by the Governor (not specified in the available summary).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Access to medications in nursing homes could improve, especially in facilities facing staffing shortages.
  • Patient safety considerations include ensuring CMAs have robust training, supervision, and clear protocols for high-risk medications.
  • Financial impact on facilities, including costs for training, certification, and supervision, balanced against potential savings from more efficient medication administration workflows.
  • Implementation timeline will depend on regulatory rulemaking and any funding appropriations linked to the bill.

Note: The summary reflects the information available from the bill’s action history and sponsor list. For precise language on scope, training requirements, supervision, and enforcement, consult the bill text and any related regulatory amendments as it moves through the committee process.

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

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