1. (a) The facility shall employ certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to provide direct care services to residents.

2. (b)

   1. (1) CNAs shall be permitted to perform the nurse aide duties set forth in Part II, Unit VII of the Long-Term Care Facility Nursing Assistant Training Curriculum.

   2. (2) These nurse aide duties include:

      1. (A) Taking vital signs, such as temperature, pulse, respiration, blood pressure, and height/weight;
      2. (B) Recognizing and reporting abnormal changes, death, and dying; and
      3. (C) Admission/transfer/discharge.
3. (c) The CNA can perform all job functions and duties of PCAs.
4. (d) All CNAs must be certified by, and in good standing with, the State of Arkansas, and must comply with all requirements, including continuing education, as established by law or rule.

5. (e)

   1. (1) No individual who is uncertified may be employed as a CNA, with the exception of CNA trainees.

   2. (2) CNA trainees may be employed to perform those CNA duties for which they have:

      1. (A) Completed their CNA training; and
      2. (B) Been determined competent by the CNA program instructor.

   3. (3) When utilizing CNA trainees, the facility shall:

      1. (A) Have a verification on file that demonstrates each trainee’s competency to perform assigned duties; and
      2. (B) Utilize CNA trainees in the manner and for the time permitted by Rules for the Arkansas Long-Term Care Facility Nursing Assistant Training Program, 20 CAR pt. 403.
   4. (4) For purposes of this section, “competency” means skills performance approval by the trainee’s instructor.

Codification Notes: “PCA” means personal care aide.