464.203  Certified nursing assistants; certification requirement.--

(1)  The board shall issue a certificate to practice as a certified nursing assistant to any person who demonstrates a minimum competency to read and write and successfully passes the required Level I or Level II screening pursuant to s. 400.215 and meets one of the following requirements:

(a)  Has successfully completed an approved training program and achieved a minimum score, established by rule of the board, on the nursing assistant competency examination, which consists of a written portion and skills-demonstration portion approved by the board and administered at a site and by personnel approved by the department.

(b)  Has achieved a minimum score, established by rule of the board, on the nursing assistant competency examination, which consists of a written portion and skills-demonstration portion, approved by the board and administered at a site and by personnel approved by the department and:

1.  Has a high school diploma, or its equivalent; or

2.  Is at least 18 years of age.

(c)  Is currently certified in another state; is listed on that state's certified nursing assistant registry; and has not been found to have committed abuse, neglect, or exploitation in that state.

(d)  Has completed the curriculum developed under the Enterprise Florida Jobs and Education Partnership Grant and achieved a minimum score, established by rule of the board, on the nursing assistant competency examination, which consists of a written portion and skills-demonstration portion, approved by the board and administered at a site and by personnel approved by the department.

(2)  If an applicant fails to pass the nursing assistant competency examination in three attempts, the applicant is not eligible for reexamination unless the applicant completes an approved training program.

(3)  An oral examination shall be administered as a substitute for the written portion of the examination upon request. The oral examination shall be administered at a site and by personnel approved by the department.

(4)  The board shall adopt rules to provide for the initial certification of certified nursing assistants.

(5)  A certified nursing assistant shall maintain a current address with the board in accordance with s. 456.035.

History.--s. 204, ch. 99-397; s. 164, ch. 2000-160; s. 79, ch. 2000-318.