NY A01272

Creates a new "certified medication aide" role allowing qualified nurse aides to perform medication-related tasks in residential health care facilities (nursing homes) under the supervision of a registered professional nurse

Permits certified medication aides to administer routine, pre-filled medications but prohibits injections, sterile procedures, and central line maintenance, with exceptions for insulin injections, low molecular weight heparin, and emergency auto-injections of naloxone and epinephrine

Requires certified medication aides to hold a valid NY nurse aide certificate, high school diploma, be at least 18 years old, have at least one year of experience in a residential health care facility, and complete training and competency examinations

Mandates that supervising registered professional nurses verify competency before assigning tasks, retain authority to revoke assignments for any reason, and cannot be coerced or retaliated against for assignment decisions

Takes effect 120 days after becoming law, with the Department of Health registry required to track individuals who complete medication aide programs