Van Orden Introduces Bill to Streamline CNA Training Requirements

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Derrick Van Orden (WI-03) introduced legislation to address the nationwide shortage of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) by expanding the number of qualified supervisors for CNA training programs. The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Workforce Improvement Act will allow Registered Nurses (RN) with a minimum of two years of nursing experience to supervise CNA training, regardless of whether their experience comes from working in a long-term care facility or another healthcare facility.

CNA staff shortages are a growing concern across the country, especially in rural communities with limited access to healthcare facilities and providers. By eliminating the long-term care requirement, more nurses will be available to supervise the training of CNAs, ultimately accelerating workforce recruitment and helping alleviate the CNA shortage.

“I have heard from countless healthcare providers who are in desperate need of more CNAs,” said Rep. Van Orden. “In rural Wisconsin, folks depend on these critical workers to receive timely and quality care, and when facilities are short-staffed, entire communities feel the impact. This bill removes the bureaucratic red tape and gets more boots on the ground to ensure patients are receiving the care they need.”

"Opening pathways to crucial health care careers takes creative solutions. This legislation is a step toward building the CNA workforce to aid better patient care and to train future health care professionals. We're grateful Rep. Van Orden is prioritizing this issue, and we look forward to advocating with him for its passage,” said Heather Schimmers, MBA, RN, Gundersen Region President, Emplify Health. 

To read the full bill text, click here.