Medicaid Reimbursement for CNA Training

Overview

To become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in Nevada, an individual is required to complete a state-approved Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP), and the certification exam is composed of two parts:

  1. A knowledge section (written or oral)
  2. Skills section

Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC) Reimbursement is a federal requirement for all nursing facilities with a Medicaid/Medicare contract as part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987.

    What is reimbursable?

    Nursing facilities are required to reimburse the CNA for certain costs associated with the NATCEP program. Those costs include the following:

    • Competency evaluations
    • Class fees
    • Textbooks
    • Other required course materials

      Types of CNA Reimbursement

      Direct Reimbursement to CNA: If the individual has completed a NATCEP at a Nevada community college or other state-approved entity, they are eligible for reimbursement directly from the nursing facility if the CNA meets the following criteria:

      • Obtain employment at a Nevada nursing facility within 12 months of certification and not been previously reimbursed by another facility.
        • Full-time employment must be maintained for three (3) months or equivalent part-time employment.
      • An original receipt for tuition, books, and competency evaluation must be provided to the nursing facility for reimbursement.

      The CNA must be reimbursed after three (3) months of employment in the facility.

        Facility-Based Program: If approved by the State, a nursing facility may operate and administer their own NATCEP.

        • Any individual who is employed by, or who has received an offer of employment from, a facility on the date on which they begin a NATCEP, cannot be charged for any portion of the program (including any fees for textbooks or other required course materials).

          Medicaid Reimbursement

          For more information on how to submit for Medicaid reimbursement, a nursing facility should work with the Nevada Medicaid vendor who processes the cost reports to accurately reflect those costs.

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