C.M.R. 10, 144, ch. 101, ch. III, 144-101-III-67, app 144-101-III-67-A

Current through 2024-44, October 30, 2024

Appendix 144-101-III-67-A - CERTIFIED NURSES AIDE TRAINING PROGRAMS

Principle. Effective for CNA training programs beginning on or after January 1, 2001, the median plus ten percent (10%) of costs per student paid by the Department for state fiscal year ending in 1998 to qualify individuals as certified nurses aides is reimbursable under the MaineCare Program. These programs must be conducted in accordance with the requirements of the Maine Board of Nursing for education programs for nurse's aides. To be allowable these programs must be conducted within a licensed nursing facility within the State of Maine or under contract with an educational institute whereby the classroom instruction may be provided in the educational facility, but the supervised clinical experience must be within the licensed nursing facility receiving reimbursement under the "Principles of Reimbursement for Long-Term Care Facilities".

Definitions

1.Allowable Programs. All CNA programs must be approved by the Department of Education in order for a nursing facility to be reimbursed for a CNA training program.

The Department will reimburse for the number of courses needed to meet the facility's needs, or the needs of a group of facilities on a prorated basis, which is expected to be no more than three (3) CNA courses per year, unless it is found that three (3) courses in not enough to meet the facility's needs. However, costs for classes of four (4) or fewer students will be allowed no more than twice a year.

2.Allowable Costs

a) qualified instructor for classroom instruction and clinical instruction, not to exceed one hundred-fifty (150) hours.

b) instructor preparation time, not to exceed fifteen (15) hours.

c) additional clinical instructor time when number of students in program exceeds ten (10).

d) one (1) "Train the Trainer Program" per facility per year.

e) training materials, books and supplies necessary for providing the CNA program.

f) liability insurance.

g) competency examinations, if Department of Education no longer provides the competency examinations.

h) administrative overhead expenses shall be limited to ten percent (10%) of the total allowable CNA training budget.

The cost per student cannot exceed the cost of tuition in a program offered through the Department of Education that is reasonably accessible. If it is determined that any of the CNA training programs offered by a facility has not met or does not presently meet the requirements of the Maine Board of Nursing or is not an approved program through the Department of Education and the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, the Department will initiate action to recoup all reimbursement.

All income received from these programs must be used to reduce the overall cost of the programs.

Reimbursement. In order for a nursing facility to be reimbursed for conducting an approved CNA training program, the facility must submit a formal request for reimbursement to the Director of the Office of MaineCare Services, 11 State House Station, Augusta, Maine, 04333-0011. All requests must be received by the Department before the end of the facility's current fiscal year in which the CNA program began.

Any request that is not received before the end of the facility's current fiscal year in which the CNA program begins will not be considered as an allowable cost under the MaineCare Program.

All requests must include:

1. A completed schedule "Request for Budget Approval" available from the Office of MaineCare Services.

2. Copies of the letters of intent to employ for non-employees participating in the training program.

3. Copy of the Department of Education "Notice of Status" letter.

The Department will reimburse a nursing facility the median plus ten percent (10%) of costs per student paid by the Department for state fiscal year 1998 for CNA training. The allowable cost of approved CNA training programs conducted at a nursing facility will not be included in the calculation of the facility's prospective rate, but will be reimbursed in a lump sum payment upon approval by the Office of MaineCare Services.

The Division of Audit will audit all CNA training costs at the time of the facility's final audit.

Therefore, it is very important that the facility maintain accurate records of the CNA training programs conducted by the nursing facility.

C.M.R. 10, 144, ch. 101, ch. III, 144-101-III-67, app 144-101-III-67-A