DHS outlines improvements for nurse aide testing amid ongoing challenges

The Aging & Older Adult Services Health Committee Joint Meeting convened on May 14, 2025, to address critical issues surrounding nurse aide testing and oversight in Pennsylvania. The meeting, attended by representatives from various agencies, focused on the challenges faced in the administration of testing for nurse aides, particularly in light of workforce shortages and logistical barriers.

Kimberly Barge from the Department of Human Services (DHS) provided an overview of the agency's role in managing the contract with Credentia, the vendor responsible for testing administration. Barge highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the timely availability of testing for nurse aides, noting that many candidates have had to travel significant distances to access testing sites. To address these issues, DHS has been collaborating with facilities, test centers, and trade associations to develop solutions, including the hiring of more nurse aide evaluators and increasing the number of skills events.

A significant point of discussion was the potential implementation of virtual skills testing for nurse aides. This approach would allow evaluators to assess candidates remotely, thereby reducing the need for physical travel to testing sites. Barge indicated that while this concept is still in the exploratory phase, it could lead to greater efficiency in the testing process.

The committee also discussed the division of responsibilities among multiple agencies overseeing nurse aide testing. Some members expressed concerns about the lack of coordination and suggested consolidating oversight under a single agency, such as the State Board of Nursing. However, it was clarified that the unique structure of Pennsylvania's nurse aide program, which does not involve certification as in other states, necessitates the involvement of multiple agencies.

Further inquiries were made regarding the processing of applications from facilities seeking to become regional testing sites. Barge acknowledged that there had been delays in responses but assured that improvements were being made to address these concerns.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue exploring solutions to streamline the testing process and improve the overall efficiency of nurse aide training and evaluation in Pennsylvania. The committee plans to follow up on these discussions in future meetings, emphasizing the importance of timely and accessible testing for nurse aides in the state.