Texas Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

What does the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) establish for nursing assistants?

1. Maximum training hours required

2. Minimum standards for nursing assistant training

3. Healthcare cost regulations

4. Guidelines for patient records

The correct answer is: Minimum standards for nursing assistant training

The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) establishes minimum standards for nursing assistant training to ensure that all certified nursing assistants receive adequate preparation for their roles in patient care. This legislation was enacted to enhance the quality of care provided to residents in nursing facilities by requiring that nursing assistants have a foundational understanding of essential skills, knowledge, and competencies before they begin working with patients. By setting these minimum training standards, OBRA helps to ensure that nursing assistants are not only trained but also equipped to meet the needs of the individuals they care for, fostering a safer and more effective healthcare environment. This is critical in maintaining a consistent level of competency among nursing assistants across different facilities, leading to improved patient outcomes and overall care quality. The other options do not accurately reflect the primary focus of OBRA in relation to nursing assistants. While OBRA affects various aspects of healthcare and nursing home regulations, its defining characteristic with respect to nursing assistants is primarily centered around training standards.