CHAPTER 389

An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 22.1-204.4, relating to Board of Education; Board of Nursing; High School Certified Nurse Aide Training and Certification Program established; requirements; report.

[H 413]

Approved April 8, 2026

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 22.1-204.4 as follows:

§ 22.1-204.4. High School Certified Nurse Aide Training and Certification Program; established; requirements; report.

A. As used in this section:

"Approved training program" means a program of instruction that meets the requirements of the Board of Nursing for certified nurse aide training programs and is offered to high school students in the Commonwealth by a public or nonpublic educational center that is approved by the Board, pursuant to this section, to provide such program of instruction to high school students.

"Certified nurse aide" or "CNA" means the same as that term is defined in § 54.1-3000.

"Educational center" includes any comprehensive community college, public institution of higher education, career and technical education program or center, or other public or private educational institution in the Commonwealth.

"Program" means the High School Certified Nurse Aide Training and Certification Program established pursuant to this section.

"Qualified high school student" means any student who meets the eligibility requirements and prerequisites to participate in the Program, as established by the Board pursuant to subdivision D 3.

B. The High School Certified Nurse Aide Training and Certification Program is hereby established for the purpose of creating a pathway for qualified high school students to prepare for and obtain certification as a certified nurse aide in the Commonwealth by approving and supporting the establishment of approved training programs whereby any qualified high school student may participate in a program of instruction that prepares such students and leads to certification for employment as a CNA in accordance with the requirements of the Board of Nursing.

C. Each approved training program under this section shall be approved by the Board, in consultation with the Board of Nursing, and shall (i) be designed to prepare qualified high school students for certification as a CNA and meet the requirements of the Board of Nursing for any such training program; (ii) be taught by an individual who is qualified to provide such instruction, consistent with the requirements of the Board of Nursing and any requirements of the Board relating to employment to provide instruction to high school students; and (iii) prepare each participating qualified high school student to meet the requirements for and obtain certification as a CNA.

D. The Board shall administer the Program in collaboration with the Board of Nursing in accordance with the provisions of this section. In administering the Program, the Board, in collaboration with the Board of Nursing, shall develop policies and procedures for the administration of the Program, including policies and procedures:

1. For approving and supporting approved training programs for qualified high school students in the Commonwealth;

2. Relating to the qualifications and requirements any individual shall be required to meet in order to provide instruction in such approved training programs;

3. Establishing eligibility requirements and prerequisites for a high school student to be qualified to participate in the Program; and

4. For the oversight of approved training programs operating under the Program, including policies requiring each approved training Program to annually submit to the Board a report detailing (i) the number of qualified high school students that year who (a) enrolled in the program of instruction through the Program that school year; (b) successfully completed such program of instruction; and (c) upon completion, passed the examination for and successfully received certification as a CNA and (ii) such other information as the Board deems necessary to ensure effective administration and oversight of the Program.

E. The Board shall submit to the Chairs of the Senate Committee on Education and Health and the House Committee on Education by November 1 of each year a report on the activities of the Program for the preceding year which shall include (i) data compiled from the reports submitted by each approved training program pursuant to subdivision D 4; (ii) to the extent feasible, data relating to the employment of students who successfully obtained certification as a CNA through the Program, including the number of students who successfully obtained employment as a CNA in the Commonwealth within a year of earning such certification; and (iii) recommendations for the improvement and expansion of the Program, including any recommendations relating to funding needs.