SECTION 1. Chapter 111, as appearing in the Massachusetts General Laws 2016 Edition, is hereby amended by inserting, after section 72BB the following new section:-

Section 72CC. (a) As used in this section the following words shall have the following meaning:- A certified medication aide means a staff member, who meets the eligibility requirements, has successfully completed the required training and competency testing developed by the Department of Public Health, and is considered competent to administer medications to residents in long-term care facilities.

(b) The Department shall create a program for the administration of medications in long-term care facilities by certified medication aides in consultation with all necessary and relevant appropriate agencies, and licensing boards.              

(c) The Department shall develop and approve training curricula, competency evaluation procedures, standards for qualifications of applicants for certification and monitoring and oversight requirements for participating long-term care facilities.

(d)  The Department shall establish regulations that include: (1) provisions for continuing education requirements for certified medication aides; (2) requirements for re-certification of certified medication aides on a biennial basis; and (3) fees for the issuance of certification to certified medication aides.

(e) The Department may promulgate rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this section.

The provisions of this bill are not mandatory upon any long-term care facility or long-term care employee. A long-term care facility may not, as a condition of employment, require any of its employees to become certified medication aides.