CSS Plays Role in State Law Change to Benefit CNAs, Agencies That Hire Them

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Published on September 19 2018 9:51 am
Last Updated on September 19 2018 9:51 am
Written by Greg Sapp

A local agency played a part in amending state legislation that benefits caregivers and the agencies that hire them.

A collaboration between Community Support Systems and instructors of the Health Occupations program of Eastern Illinois Education for Employment System uncovered a fault within the CNA credentialing process. 

CSS hires Direct Support Professionals to provide care and support to individuals with disabilities who live in group homes and attend vocational programming. Often, Certified Nursing Assistants will work as DSPs as the roles and responsibilities of each profession are similar. 

Health Occupations instructor Jo Ellen Armstrong conveyed to CSS officials that State regulations didn't count the work by CNAs as DSPs toward their certification as CNAs. That led many working as CNAs to leave work as DSPs, lessening the number of available workers. CNAs need to work a certain number of hours in a two-year period to maintain their CNA certification.

CSS officials contacted the Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities to address the issue on a statewide basis. That led to legislation that would allow CNAs to be credited for their work as DSPs toward their CNA certification.

Governor Bruce Rauner signed the legislation into law August 10.

Armstrong said, "The skills used as a CNA in a long-term care facility are the same skills required to work for the developmentally disabled in a group home. Changing this legislation will open doors for our students in the future and will potentially provide excellent caregivers for CSS."

CSS Executive Director Andy Kistler was pleased with the outcome, stating "It is exciting to know that a conversation between two local providers has resulted in a new law that will benefit thousands of individuals throughout Illinois. The Illinois Association of Rehabilitation Facilities did all the heavy lifting to ensure passage of this legislation through the General Assembly and subsequent signing by the Governor."