9600.1 This chapter applies to applicants for, and holders of, a certification to practice as a certified nurse aide (CNA). The chapter supersedes Chapter 32 of Title 29 of the District of Columbia Municipal Regulations (DCMR).

9600.2 Any person certified, on the effective date of these provisions, as a nurse aide in accordance with Chapter 32 of Title 29 of the DCMR or as a nursing assistant in accordance with this chapter is considered for all purposes to be certified under this chapter for the duration of the term for which the certification was issued, and may renew, reinstate, or reactivate that certification in accordance with the appropriate provisions of this chapter.

9600.3 All CNAs shall be registered in accordance with § 9651.

9600.4 No person may practice as a nurse aide except in accordance with this chapter. Nor shall any person refer to him or herself as a nurse aide, nursing assistant, or CNA unless he or she is certified in accordance with this chapter.

9600.5 A CNA may not be utilized to provide nursing care services in a home setting unless the person is also certified as a Home Health Aide pursuant to Chapter 93 of this Title; however, the Board of Nursing (Board) shall have the authority to waive the restriction of this provision in the event of a public health emergency and if it determines that such action is necessary to serve and protect the public.

9600.6 Any reference to or use of the word “certified nursing assistant” shall mean certified nurse aide under this chapter.

9600.7 Chapters 40 (Health Occupations: General Rules), 41 (Health Occupations: Administrative Procedures), 54 (Practical Nursing), and 55 (Registered Nursing) of this title supplement this chapter.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 66 DCR 11404 (August 23, 2019); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 68 DCR 8239 (August 20, 2021).