Introduction
In recent years, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) has worked on a range of initiatives to help increase the number of nurses, behavioral health and direct care workers, by expanding the pipeline and decreasing turnover in these roles. One priority has been to explore opportunities to support the recruitment, retention, and career advancement of CNAs and HHAs.
Health Care Aide Career Pathway Initiative
EOHHS, in collaboration with the Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA), the Department of Public Health (DPH), and the MassHealth Office of Long-Term Services and Supports (OLTSS), has developed a proposal to redesign the career pathway and credentialing process for this important part of the health care workforce.
The proposed solution would introduce a Health Care Aide (HCA), a combined certification for future CNAs and HHAs, with enhanced training and skills, and over time create a new role, the Advanced Health Care Aide (AHCA). The AHCA role and certification will build on the HCA certification, providing a pathway into nursing, social service, or other health care roles.
The first phase of this initiative is aimed at combining Home Health Aide (HHA) and certified nursing assistant (CNA) roles into a new state-issued credential called Health Care Aide (HCA).
Help us develop this important initiative
We’re asking key audiences provide input and perspective to help shape the development and thoughtful implementation of the health care aide initiative. We would especially love to hear feedback from the following key audiences:
- Employees and future employees
- Educational institutions and industry trainers
- Workforce support and job readiness partners
- Providers
Stakeholders interested in receiving periodic project updates or participating in an upcoming listening and engagement session are encouraged to email Michael Kelleher: Michael.W.Kelleher3@mass.gov.
And please check this page for updates about the Career Pathway Initiative.
| Date published: | November 21, 2024 |
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