As we step into 2024, we extend our heartfelt wishes for a year brimming with aspirations. May this new year unfold new opportunities and achievements for us all. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Here's to a year of thriving shared successes!
REPEAL OBRA!
Are you captivated or maybe even taken aback by the title?! Well, we're kicking off 2024 with a bang and making this bold, yet necessary call to action just the beginning!
Before you become too concerned, it's important to clarify that our call isn't for the complete repeal of OBRA. Instead, our focus is on advocating for separation, specifically detaching OBRA from nursing assistant training. To understand this better, we will briefly review the genesis of OBRA, how it has been intertwined with nursing assistant training since its significant federal enactment in 1987, its now obsolete components, and the process required to sever ties with OBRA.
In 1987, President Reagan enacted the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA), a landmark federal law addressing the poor quality of care in skilled nursing facilities (SNF). It was celebrated as a triumph by the public and advocacy groups. Along with sweeping changes to SNF, OBRA instituted state and federal regulations to oversee nursing assistant training. From this point, nursing assistant training became inextricably linked with SNF. So, when asked about the strong association between nursing assistant training and SNFs, I liken it to a baby zebra's resemblance to its mother – it's a product of its origin.
The challenges with OBRA, especially with nursing assistant training, are multifaceted, so we will cover a few salient ones. First, the law is outdated! There have been minimal updates to nursing assistant training since 1987 – that's 37 years! The healthcare landscape has evolved significantly in that time, particularly concerning the work duties of a certified nursing assistant (CNA). In 1987, OBRA focused on CNAs in SNF, as they didn't work in other settings. Today, CNAs work in incredibly diverse settings such as hospitals, home health, hospice, assisted living centers, surgical centers, subacute and rehabilitation facilities, perioperative care, detention centers, and private duty, to name a few. Regrettably, OBRA has not evolved to accommodate the shifting roles, work settings, and training needs of CNAs beyond the scope of SNF.
Another critical aspect that urgently needs reform is the stipulated 75-hour minimum training requirement, which falls short of adequately preparing CNAs to provide the complex care necessary for today's patients with multiple co-morbidities.
OBRA requires the completion of a minimum number of clinical training hours at a SNF, but the availability of clinical spaces is limited, making it challenging to accommodate students for these hours. Furthermore, considering the diverse work environments available to CNAs, as mentioned earlier, they should be allowed to gain skills in a variety of settings.
OBRA requires that a nurse functioning as a training program coordinator have a minimum of two years of nursing experience, including one year in a long-term care setting. This stipulation disqualifies many competent and well-qualified nurses to serve in an area with a severe shortage, solely due to their lack of experience in a SNF.
These are just a few areas where OBRA needs updating. Changing federal law is a monumental undertaking, requiring an act of Congress and a presidential signature-but it is not impossible! However, these changes must not be left to politicians or lobbyists with a limited understanding of nursing assistant training. Instead, the reform must be spearheaded by those in the trenches of nursing assistant training: nurse educators, content experts, stakeholders, and associations.
Confronting the critical shortage of CNAs demands a bold reform of OBRA, charting new territory for the first time in 37 years!
Please share your thoughts. I'd love to hear from you.
Vicky Castillo MSN, RN, CNE/CEO/Founder
FACETS Healthcare Training, LLC
v.castillo@facetshc.com
Tennessee Now LIVE!
We are now live in Tennessee! Our nurse aide test prep content aligns with D&S Diversified Technologies/Headmaster. A must-have for learners and instructors, with a robust learning management system, Spanish quizzes, and lots more! FREE trials here.
Spanish Quizzes
We're delighted to announce the launch of our eagerly awaited Spanish theory and math quizzes, available now at NO extra cost! This reflects our ongoing dedication to enhancing the value for our customers and recognizing the importance of supporting Spanish-language learners. Keep an eye out as we continue to translate more of our content into Spanish.
California 17 Modules
The 17 modules required for nursing assistant training in California will be available soon at NO additional cost-watch for updates! The 17 modules, along with our acclaimed skill videos that align with both Credentia and Headmaster, our extensive Spanish content, and much more, are an indispensable resource for nursing assistant training programs in California.
Restorative Nurse Aide Hybrid Course
Are you interested in offering the restorative nurse aide hybrid course at your school? Watch a tutorial video and download course information handouts here.
Learn more about our course development partners, Adaptive Equipment and Caregiving Corner here.
California Nursing Assistant Educator's Conference June 7 & 8, 2024
This event aims to bring California Nursing Assistant Educators together to discuss and learn about emerging trends, innovative ideas, and foster a community of support for the "forgotten" nursing assistant educator.
Join us on June 7 and 8, 2024 for an informative and immersive two-day conference to renew your spirit and learn from your colleagues and professionals who are involved in all aspects of Nursing Assistant Education. We look forward to seeing you! 10 CEH available.
Featured in the event's speaker roster is Vicky Castillo MSN, RN, CNE, founder and CEO of FACETS Healthcare Training. Additionally, you can meet Vicky personally at the exhibitor's booth.
Use discount code FACETS to receive $75 off an attendee online conference registration. Attendee information and registrationhere
Sponsorship opportunities, vendor registration, and information here
The Secret Cocktail's Mastermind Retreat
July 11-15, 2024
Every year for the past three years, CNA school owners throughout the country get together to learn tactics to grow their business at The Secret Cocktail's Mastermind Retreat. In past years participants learned to automate their businesses, incorporate AI, protect their brand with trademarks, leverage social media, and so much more. This year the event will focus on legacy and longevity. The event will include speakers who will focus on certifications, estate planning, and so much more.
This year the event will be hosted in downtown Atlanta, Georgia from July 11-15, 2024.
The countdown to register for this epic event is on! The National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA) takes CNA Fest 2024 to the sea with a five-day voyage to the Caribean from November 7- November 11, 2024.
