NEW MARYLAND CNA DESIGNATIONS: CNA-I & CNA-II
Effective April 1, 2026
On May 16, 2024, Governor Wes Moore signed HB1125/SB0999 – Certified Nursing Assistants: Licensing Requirements and Administrative Updates into law.
This legislation introduces significant changes to CNA certification in Maryland, including new designations and updated licensure requirements.
Regulatory Updates
The following regulations have been updated to align with this law:
- COMAR 10.39.01 – Certification of Nursing Assistants
- COMAR 10.39.02 – Nursing Assistant Training Programs
WHAT’S CHANGING?
Beginning April 1, 2026, there will be two CNA designations:
1. Certified Nursing Assistant-I (CNA-I)
- CNAs certified as GNAs on March 31, 2026
- Certified Medicine Aides (CMAs)
- CNA-I designation granted by MBON on or after April 1, 2026
- Can practice in any healthcare setting.
2. Certified Nursing Assistant-II (CNA-II)
- CNAs who were certified but NOT GNAs as of March 31, 2026
- Cannot practice in nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities
What This Means:
This change impacts scope of practice, employment settings, and training pathways for CNAs across Maryland. Employers, educators, and healthcare professionals should begin preparing now.
What Caregivers/CNAs Should Do:
- Stay informed about your certification status
- Speak with your employer or training provider
- Plan ahead if transitioning between care settings
New Training Requirements for Maryland Healthcare Profession
Effective April 1, 2026
WHAT’S CHANGING?
Maryland now requires both implicit bias AND structural racism training for healthcare license and certificate renewals.
1. Structural Racism Training (NEW)
- Required for ALL healthcare professionals
- Must complete an approved training program
- One-time requirement
2. Implicit Bias Training
- Already required since April 1, 2022
- Also a one-time requirement
When Do You Need to Complete It?
- Applies at your first license or certification renewal AFTER April 1, 2026
- You will attest (confirm) completion during renewal
Important Notes:
- Both trainings are only required once in your career
- If your course includes both topics, it may count for both requirements
- Training must be approved by the Maryland Department of Health program
- Some boards may allow continuing education (CE) credit
AIBS Care Tip:
Don’t wait until the last minute—complete your training early to avoid delays in your certification renewal.
2025 AHA Guidelines Update: BLS vs Heartsaver
Effective October 22, 2025 • Transition Deadline March 1, 2026
The American Heart Association (AHA) 2025 Guidelines for CPR & ECC introduce important updates for both healthcare professionals and community rescuers.
All AHA BLS and Heartsaver courses must reflect these changes by March 1, 2026.
For Students
Instructor & Administrative Notes
For Healthcare Providers
- Infant CPR: Use two-thumb encircling or heel of one hand – no two-finger technique.
- Infant Choking: 5 back blows + 5 chest thrusts (using heel of hand).
- Adult Choking: Alternate 5 back thrusts and 5 abdominal thrusts until airway is clear or person becomes unresponsive.
- Maintain compression rate 100–120/min and depth ≥ 2 in for adults.
- Use feedback manikins whenever available for skills validation.
For Healthcare Providers
Instructor & Administrative Notes
For Healthcare Providers
- Update mock code policies and pediatric skills stations to reflect new infant techniques.
- Ensure equipment (including feedback manikins and AEDs) supports 2025 standards.
- Integrate team debriefs and feedback sessions post-resuscitation for quality tracking.
Instructor & Administrative Notes
Instructor & Administrative Notes
Instructor & Administrative Notes
- Instructor update required by March 1, 2026.
- Old BLS & Heartsaver materials retire March 1, 2026.
- Up to 4 community courses may count toward instructor renewal.
- New eCard pricing effective July 1, 2025.
NEW COMAR UPDATES ARE HERE!
Effective April 28, 2025
The updated COMAR regulations introduce critical changes for Maryland Assisted Living providers.
CPR Certification Requirement (COMAR 2025 Update)
In accordance with Maryland COMAR regulations (2025 update), all direct care staff must maintain current CPR certification that includes a required hands-on skills demonstration.
Staff were educated that both initial CPR certification and CPR renewal courses must include an in-person hands-on demonstration of CPR skills with instructor evaluation. Staff must physically demonstrate the ability to perform CPR and use an AED during the training session.
Online-only CPR courses that do not include a hands-on demonstration and instructor skills validation are not compliant with COMAR requirements and will not be accepted.
The Assisted Living Manager reviewed the facility policy with staff and reinforced that hands-on CPR skills demonstration is mandatory for both initial certification and renewal. Staff were instructed to ensure that any CPR training completed includes this required hands-on skills component.
Facilities will maintain documentation of staff CPR certification and ensure that certifications remain current and compliant with COMAR requirements.
IMPORTANT ALERT FOR FAMILIES & CAREGIVERS OF OLDER ADULTS
Due to recent federal firings, many older adult services may face delays or disruptions — including:
- Social Security & Medicare processing
- In-home care & Medicaid support
- Meal programs, transportation, and more
SNAP Program Updates
New SNAP benefit adjustments and eligibility updates began October 1, 2025, with additional policy changes rolling out in 2026. These updates may affect income limits, benefit amounts, and work requirements for some recipients. Visit your local Department of Social Services or SNAP website to review eligibility and learn more.
Support for Seniors and Caregivers
Many older adults and caregivers may be eligible for SNAP benefits but are unaware of the program. Access to nutrition assistance can help seniors maintain proper nutrition, manage chronic conditions, and improve overall health.
AIBS CARE is here to help you navigate the changes with care management, benefit support, and elder care planning.
MEDICARE & mEDICAID uPDATE 2025
What You should know...
If you're a Medicaid recipient:
Prepare for increased red tape—work logs, quarterly check-ins, and potentially higher out-of-pocket costs. Expect some to lose coverage.
If you're a Medicare beneficiary:
Continued access to drug spending caps and cost-smoothing options, but beware of payment cuts if Congress doesn't act.
Policy in motion:
With rules taking effect over the next few years (2026–2027), both beneficiaries and providers should monitor developments and state-level implementations closely.
reflecting the recent budget and policy changes.
BOTTOM LINE:
- Medicare: More protections (especially drug benefit) in 2025, but some services (like telehealth) are at risk.
- Medicaid: Significant pressure and change — funding reductions looming, more state flexibility (which can mean variability in coverage or cost).
- If you’re in the “dual eligible” category, you’re impacted by both programs — so changes in one can affect your overall coverage.
For more information:
- Medicare: visit www.medicare.gov
- Medicaid: visit www.medicaid.gov
- Or contact your local state Medicaid office.
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