Continuing Education Sessions

Session 19 | Qualified Medication Aides: What You Need to Know

Day: Monday, July 22
Time: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Leadership / Workforce
Room Location: Gatlin A-1

Session Summary

A Qualified Medication Aide is a CNA who takes additional training and can administer routine medications to nursing center residents. This new workforce initiative frees up nurses to focus on higher-level caregiving and offers a career ladder to CNAs. Learn the foundations of the 2023 legislation, the new rule and practical applications and how to successfully integrate the QMA role into your nursing centers.

Presenters

Susan Anderson

Director of Regulatory Affairs | Florida Health Care Association

About the Presenter

Susan Anderson currently serves as the Director of Regulatory Affairs for Florida Health Care Association. In this position, she concentrates on supporting the legislative, regulatory, and policy activities on behalf of association members for nursing centers and assisted living facilities. Ms. Anderson has experience in seniors housing and in developing public policy positions and advising on regulatory compliance. Ms. Anderson is an active member of the Florida Bar.

Robin A. Bleier

President/CEO | RB Health Partners, Inc.

About the Presenter

Robin A. Bleier RN, HCRM, LNC , has 40 years of health care experience, 30 of which in long term care. Robin's passion is teaching and training with a focus on risk management as a means to help improve quality and resident outcomes while increasing long term care professional's work satisfaction. Robin worked as a nursing assistant, LPN, RN, DON, regional nurse, CCO, and COO. She now owns and operates RB Health Partners, Inc. (RBHPs) a long term care consultancy firm for the past 20 years. RBHPs employs an interdisciplinary team of subject matter experts and consultants to support long term care providers meet their quality improvement goals.

Jen Lawrence

Chief Nursing Officer | Aston Health

About the Presenter

Jen has devoted an almost thirty-year career to serving our geriatric population from her beginnings as a high school volunteer, then as a Certified Nursing Assistant, then as a Licensed Practical Nurse, to a Masters prepared Registered Nurse, and also as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. Jen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing as well as a dual Master’s Degree in Business Administration and in Nursing. Jen’s experience spans all the geriatric continuums of care with positions including Risk Manager, Director of Nursing, Regional Nurse, Nursing Home Administrator, Assisted Living Administrator, Regional Director of Operations, VP of Clinical Services, and Chief Nursing Officer. She has extensive experience in Florida as well as multiple other states. She is focused on positive patient experiences and outcomes citing a strong compassionate team as the foundation for success. Jen is an active member/presenter with the Florida Health Care Association serving as the Vice-Chair for the Senior Clinician’s Committee as well as an item writer for the NAB exams.