Certified Nurse Assistant Safety Regulations

Safety regulations for the certified nursing assistant, commonly called a CNA, exist to prevent injury to the client and the worker. Although some of these regulations differ slightly by facility, they pertain to all long-term nursing care centers and the majority of hospitals. Medicaid, Medicare and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration set forth many of these requirements.

Personal Safety Standards

• Personal safety standards are safety regulations that must be in place for nursing staff, including certified nurse assistants. These regulations concern safe patient handling and proper assessment. In addition to focusing on decreasing work-related injury, these practices help eliminate injury to the patient. Aspects of these particular regulations apply to using lifts when available, utilizing proper technique and accurately assessing the amount of help needed. CNAs must evaluate, identify and come up with solutions to these problems. Mandatory training sessions are often provided to ensure that the nursing assistant is not only aware of this regulation but abides by it.

Emergency Planning Implementation

• The nursing assistant shall also understand the safety procedures as outlined by the facility in which she works. This includes knowing procedures to follow in the event of a crisis situation, natural disaster and other events as defined by the policy of the employer. Knowledge of emergency exits and use of equipment is necessary. In most cases, this information is provided during orientation. However, many facilities provide drills and other training assessments as necessary or when required by law.

Scope of Practice

• The scope of practice is the set of regulations put forth by individual states to define what a nursing assistant can and cannot legally do. These safety regulations are not limited to nursing assistants that are certified, but to any caregiver who is employed in a long-term center, hospital or home health agency with the title of nurse aide or nursing assistant. These regulations protect patients by prohibiting care from individuals that have not been properly trained. The scope of practice regulations also stipulates the type and depth of training caregivers must receive.