Navigating the Health Care Worker Registry and CNA Requirements in Illinois

The Health Care Worker Registry is a vital resource in Illinois, listing individuals who have undergone background checks in accordance with the Health Care Worker Background Check Act (225 ILCS 46). It also encompasses training data for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and other healthcare professionals. The Department of Public Health is responsible for its maintenance. However, being listed as an Illinois CNA requires adherence to several state and federal prerequisites. 

Requirements to Become an Illinois CNA: 

1. Completion of an Approved CNA Training Program: Aspiring CNAs can choose this path, which involves successfully finishing a state-approved CNA training program. 
2. Passing a Written Competency Test: Candidates can opt to pass a written competency test, which is part of the CNA certification process. 
3. Completion of a Nursing Arts Course: Another route is to complete a nursing arts course, such as Basics in Nursing or Fundamentals of Nursing. 
4. Current Illinois RN or LPN License: Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) with valid Illinois licenses in good standing can work as CNAs without registry listing. 
5. Out-of-State RN or LPN License: RNs or LPNs with licenses from other states cannot work as Illinois CNAs until the registry reflects that they’ve met training requirements. 
6. Nursing Students: Those in the process of becoming LPNs or RNs can apply to be Illinois CNAs while continuing their education. They need to provide verification of completing fundamentals of nursing and 40 hours of supervised clinical experience in an accredited nurse training program. 
7. U.S. Military Training: Successfully completing a U.S. military training program equivalent to a nurse aide training program can serve as a pathway to becoming a CNA. Proof of such training, like Form DD 214 or a diploma, is required. 
8. Foreign Nursing Program Graduates: Individuals with nursing qualifications equivalent to LPN or RN in a foreign country but haven’t taken a licensure exam in the U.S. can’t work as nurses. To become Illinois CNAs, they must meet training requirements and provide translated proof of diploma, transcripts, and Social Security card. 
9. CNAs from Other States: CNAs who have been deemed competent on another state’s registry for CNAs, provided they meet specific federal regulations, can seek listing on the Illinois registry. 
10. Clean Record: Applicants must have no administrative findings of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property on their home state’s or any other state’s CNA registry, along with no disqualifying convictions. 

Recertification for Lapsed CNAs: 

If a CNA has not provided nursing or nursing-related services for pay for 24 consecutive months, their approved certification is forfeited. To regain certification, they can: 

1. Pass a Manual Skills Test: Administered by an Illinois approved evaluator, this test assesses competency in essential skills. 
2. Complete an Illinois Approved CNA Training Program: This involves retaking the written competency test. 

It’s important to note that the written competency test is a requirement for certification, and if an individual fails it three times, they must complete an Illinois approved CNA training program before retaking the test. Southern Illinois University at Carbondale (SIU-C) manages the written portion of the competency exam and provides resources for candidates. 

In summary, the Health Care Worker Registry serves as a critical repository of information for healthcare workers in Illinois, particularly CNAs. Meeting the stipulated requirements is essential for inclusion on this registry, ensuring the delivery of quality healthcare services across the state. At Castor Health Institute, we meet the above requirements and guidelines to bring a CNAs in the community.