Which federal law regulates the education and testing of nursing assistants?

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987 is the federal law that specifically addresses the education and testing requirements for nursing assistants. This legislation was enacted to enhance the quality of care in nursing facilities and to ensure that nursing assistants receive proper training to deliver safe and effective care to residents. OBRA established mandatory training and competency evaluation programs for nursing assistants, which includes a standardized testing process to assess their knowledge and skills.

The law was a response to concerns about the quality of care provided in nursing homes and aimed to improve standards by ensuring that nursing assistants are qualified and capable of performing their duties. It specifically mandates that nursing assistants complete a state-approved education program, followed by a competency evaluation.

In contrast, the other options focus on different areas of health care and workplace regulation. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) is primarily concerned with ensuring safe and healthy working conditions. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) deals with the privacy and security of health information. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) focuses on health insurance coverage and access to care. While these laws play important roles in the healthcare system, they do not specifically regulate the education and testing of nursing assistants in the same way