Notification:
Per change in regulations, the KY State Board of Nursing has taken over the Medication Aide Registry. Please see below letter and instructions from the KY Board of Nursing on new verification process.
For Medication Aides in other states wanting to work in Kentucky, please reach out to the KY Board of Nursing for reciprocity instructions.
Kentucky Medication Aide
Equivalent to: Certified Medication Aide I (CMA I)
The KMA program prepares the state registered nurse aide (SRNA) to administer oral or topical medications as delegated and supervised by a licensed nurse.
Current SRNA's with 6 months of work experience and nursing students are encouraged to obtain this credential.
Examination:
Upon completion of the KMA I/CMA I training, the state registered nurse aide (SRNA) will be eligible to sit for the CMA I examination.
- Two failed attempts or if more than sixty (60) days have elapsed since completion of the CMA I training, the candidate must repeat training.
Please contact your local KNAT Coordinator for more information or to register for class offerings.
Current nursing students may challenge the exam to bypass the course:
Challenging the Kentucky Medication Aide Exam
Limitations to Practice
Kentucky Medication Aides DO NOT:
- Convert drug dosages.
- Administer injectable medications, including medications via subcutaneous, intradermal, intramuscular, or intravenous route.
- Administer medications via tubes inserted into any body cavity.
- Administer Antineoplastic drugs.
- Accept verbal/phone orders from those with prescriptive authority.
- Dispense medications for residents temporarily out of the facility.
The use of glucometers and nebulizers are not covered in the Medication Aide Curriculum. This falls under the facility level policy. If the facility allows medication aides to use glucometers and nebulizers, it is the facility’s responsibility to train and evaluate competency.
Certified Medication Aide II (CMA II)
The CMA II program prepares the Certified Medication Aide or Kentucky Medication Aide to administer insulin subcutaneous via preloaded insulin pen as delegated and supervised by a licensed nurse.
Current Certified Medication Aide/Kentucky Medication Aides are encouraged to obtain this credential.
Examination:
Upon completion of the CMA II training, the CMA/KMA will be eligible to sit for the CMA II examination.
- Two failed attempts or if more than sixty (60) days have elapsed since completion of the CMA II training, the candidate must repeat training.
Please contact your local KNAT Coordinator for more information or to register for class offerings.
Regulation:
201 KAR 20:700. Medication aide training programs and credentialing of medication aides
