Becoming a Medication Aide in the state of Virginia

Becoming a Medication Aide in the state of Virginia

The Virginia General Assembly passed a law in 2005 that required the Board of Nursing to regulate medication aides in Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) beginning July 2007. Initially there was a 12 month transition period to accomplish this task, giving ALFs until July 1, 2008 to assure that all medication aides working in Assisted Living Facilities were registered with the Board of Nursing. This date was extended by the General Assembly to December 31, 2008, and then extended a second time until August 1, 2009.

Currently the date that all medication aides working in ALFs must be registered with the BON is August 1, 2009.

Eligibility requirements are:

• Complete a Board approved Medication Training Course;
• Complete and submit an Application for Registration by Examination to the BON, inclusive of fees; and
• Pass a standardized exam (administered by PSI, with a separate application to PSI and a separate fee payable to PSI) with a 70% passing score.

These individuals will be referred to as Registered Medication Aides.

This does not apply to those individuals administering medications in Child Day Care Centers. Individuals are allowed to work in Adult Day Care Centers, Mental Health Facilities, and Juvenile Justice/Corrections Facilities.