Alaska2026Passed Legislature

SB103

New Training Standards for Certified Nurse Aides in Alaska

Last scannedSep 12, 2026, 4:46 AM

In one sentence

This law updates training standards for certified nurse aide programs to ensure they teach skills for safe care, communication with clients who have cognitive or mental health needs, and respect for client rights.

Requires regulations for training programs to be conducted in a way that ensures clients receive safe and competent care.
Mandates training on forming relationships and communicating competently with clients.
Requires trainees to demonstrate sensitivity to the emotional, social, and mental health needs of clients through skillful interactions.
Adds rules for teaching aides how to assist clients in reaching and maintaining independence while supporting their rights.
Requires training on observing client conditions during care and reporting those observations to help assess a client's health and well-being.
Mandates that trainees learn problem-solving approaches when providing care.
Requires techniques that preserve the respect, values, choices, and dignity of clients.
Includes instruction on communicating with clients who have psychosocial needs or conditions like Alzheimer's disease, dementia, mental illness, intellectual disability, or other cognitive impairments.
Defines 'activities of daily living' within these standards as eating, dressing, grooming, bathing, and toileting.

The text lists required skills but does not specify the exact number of hours needed for each topic.
It is unclear if existing aides must take new classes or only those starting after January 1, 2026.

Plain language

Activities of Daily Living: In this law, basic self-care tasks defined as eating, dressing, grooming, bathing, and toileting.

Official record

Validated

CNA TRAINING An Act relating to certified nurse aide training; and providing for an effective date.

Official activity