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Bill to set core CNA training competencies receives broad support from caregiving advocates
Summary
House Bill 244 would specify core competencies for certified nursing assistant training, including dementia care and behavioral-health response; advocates and training partners backed the bill and noted a statewide, no‑cost training clearinghouse launching July 1.
Representative Jubilee Underwood told the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee that House Bill 244 would codify core competencies for certified nursing assistant (CNA) training to ensure frontline caregivers are prepared to meet the needs of older Alaskans and people with cognitive impairment.
"House Bill 244 is a focused bill to strengthen Alaska's certified nursing aides or CNAs training standards by ensuring essential caregiving competencies are clearly defined in statute," Underwood said. Invited witnesses described an urgent workforce and training need: Lisa Sauter, CEO of Alzheimer's Resource Alaska, said Alaska has an aging population and noted more than 1,700 nursing assistants were employed in 2023; she and others described a new no‑cost statewide training clearinghouse developed with University of Alaska Anchorage scheduled to go live July 1.
Michelle Giro, executive director of Hope Community Resources, shared experience from direct‑care work to underscore the need for practical training in dementia and behavioral supports. Supporters said the bill does not create new licensing requirements but ensures training standards consistently reflect real‑world caregiving demands.
The committee set the bill aside for further consideration at a future meeting.
