HF2680: Certified Medication Aides

Modifies procedures for certifying medication aides, especially for those certified in other states, by easing requirements and creating a new online certification registry. It directs the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing to establish and maintain this registry, including a no-fee policy for submission or access of certification proof. The bill also mandates updated administrative rules to standardize and clarify medication aide qualifications, training, and examination procedures, and it rescinds numerous existing administrative rules to align with these changes.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Allows medication aides certified in another state to become certified in Iowa by passing only the Iowa medication aide challenge examination, removing the requirement to pass both nurse aide and medication aide exams, and eliminating any required in-state employment prior to certification.

• Directs the Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing to create an online medication aide certification registry, which will allow submission and access of proof of exam completion, with no fees for these services.

• Requires the Department to adopt new rules governing the administration of medications by certified aides in various care facilities, including community colleges and other competency evaluation programs as exam administrators.

• Mandates that individuals seeking to take the challenge exam (in lieu of a course) provide a specified written statement, and that all approved programs can receive this statement.

• Eliminates the requirement that out-of-state certified medication aides pass a nurse aide competency exam to be certified in Iowa.

• Requires the Department to adopt any necessary rules to ensure consistency in all provisions relating to medication aide training and qualifications.

• Rescinds specific Iowa Administrative Code rules relating to medication aide certification and training as of July 1, 2026, and directs their removal from the code.

• Mandates conforming rulemaking by the Department to implement the provisions of this bill.

Signed by Governor on April 16. Takes effect July 1, 2026.