HARRISBURG – The PA Senate approved a bipartisan bill that would enhance the availability and quality of service at PA long-term care facilities. Senate Bill 668 would address a workforce shortage that exists in PA’s nursing homes. The bill would enable certified nurse aides or CNAs to train to become certified medication aides or CMAs and deliver common, minimally invasive prescribed medications to nursing home residents. Currently, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses are only authorized to administer medications to nursing home residents. CNAs would be able to complete a certified medication administration program established by the PA Department of Health. The program would include a minimum of 80 hours of classroom instruction, not including testing or instructor evaluation of competency, and 20 hours of skills and demonstration. The certification would require renewal every two years. The bill goes to Gov. Shapiro’s desk.