MEDICATION AIDE<br><br>Certified medication aides, also known as CMAs, administer medications of all kinds to patients. Hospitals, nursing homes, and medical facilities hire certified medication aides to work full-time flexible shifts including nights and weekends. Certified medication aides work in clinical settings within a collaborative team environment where they interact with other medical staff members. They do not travel outside of the facility to perform their regular tasks. Certified medication aides usually report to the nursing supervisor on duty.<br><br>REQUIREMENTS:<br> Is at least eighteen (18) years of age. Has completed the twelfth (12th) grade or its equivalent or has successfully passed the test for and has received a general equivalency diploma. Is a certified nurse aide. Has worked as a certified nurse aide in a nursing home or assisted care living facility for at least 365 days of continuous, uninterrupted, full-time work at no more than two (2) different facilities, at the time the applicant submits an application. Has successfully completed a course of instruction provided by a training program approved by the Board under rule 1000-05-.07 and in compliance with T.C.A. _x0015_ 63-7-127(i). Has passed a medication aide certification examination approved by the Board. Has caused the results of a criminal background check to be submitted to the Board's administrative office directly from one of the vendors identified in the Board's licensure application materials. Does not have an encumbrance on any professional license or certificate.<br><br>EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:<br> Completed the twelfth (12th) grade or its equivalent or has successfully passed the test for and has received a general equivalency diploma.<br><br>EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS:<br> An applicant must take the approved MAC examination. An applicant must become eligible for certification by examination by applying to the board within thirty (30) days after completing a training program. An applicant must then take the examination within ninety (90) days of being made eligible by the board. An applicant taking the examination a second time must re-take the examination and complete the certification process no later than 365 days after filing the initial application. An applicant not successful after two (2) examination attempts must repeat the training program and reapply.<br><br>CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:<br> As a prerequisite to renewal, all certificate holders shall complete the following continuing education requirements: Complete any and all continuing education or continued competency requirements, or both, necessary to maintain nurse aide certification under T.C.A. _x0015_ 68-11-209(e), and the rules promulgated pursuant thereto; and a total of six (6) contact hours per year of continuing education; five (5) of which shall be in pharmacology provided by a licensed pharmacist or registered nurse and one (1) of which shall be relative to medication administration consistent with the functions of a MAC. Each MAC shall attest to the timely attendance and completion of the required continuing education hours on the biennial certificate renewal form. Each MAC shall retain independent documentation of attendance and completion of all continuing education courses for a period of two (2) years from the date of attendance. This documentation shall be produced for inspection and verification, if requested in writing by the Board.<br><br>RENEWAL:<br> Certification is valid for two (2) years from the date of its issuance and shall become invalid on such date unless renewed, unless earlier suspended or revoked. A MAC may renew a current, valid certification by submitting a renewal form approved by the Board, the required renewal fee and regulatory fee, and attestation of having completed six (6) contact hours of Board-approved continuing education each year prior to the expiration date of the certificate. A renewal form and the fees must be actually received by the Board office on or before the due date, whether submitted in person, by the U.S. Mail, or other delivery service.<br><br>PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: <br>
