AZ HB2196

Establishes two distinct categories of nursing assistants: licensed nursing assistants (LNA) requiring licensure and certified nursing assistants (CNA) requiring registration on a state registry maintained by the Arizona State Board of Nursing.

Transfers regulation of certified nursing assistants from the board to compliance with federal Medicare requirements (Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 and Medicare Catastrophic Coverage Act of 1988) and removes certain disciplinary restrictions previously limited to CNAs.

Authorizes licensed nursing assistants and certified nursing assistants to administer medications when certified as medication assistants by a licensed nurse in nursing care institutions, subject to specific limitations on medication types and routes.

Updates board member qualifications to include certified and licensed nursing assistant representatives and establishes new definitions, qualifications, and renewal requirements for both nursing assistant categories.

Makes amendments effective June 30, 2016, with transition provisions allowing CNAs certified before July 1, 2016 to either renew as licensed nursing assistants or remain registered as certified nursing assistants.