A list of frequently asked questions pertaining to the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry (KNAR) or state registered nurse aides (SRNA)/home health aides (HHA) is provided below:
Q: What is a state registered nurse aide?
A: A SRNA is any person who, for compensation, provides nursing care or health-related services to residents or clients of an employer. A SRNA is not a licensed health care professional. Instead, the aide has completed an approved training and competency examination program and is listed on the Kentucky Nurse Aide Registry.
Q: What must I do to become a state registered nurse aide in Kentucky?
A: You must complete a state approved nurse aide training program and the competency evaluation. The competency evaluation consists of a written exam and a clinical skills exam. Upon successful completion of the competency evaluation, you will be be issued a copy of your test scores along with a letter from KNAR stating that you have been added to the registry with an expiration date provided. (Effective December 1, 2006, SRNA cards will no longer be issued.) The letter is not a license and cannot be used for registry verification. Test results are usually available within 30 days of taking the examination. Test scores will NOT be given out over the phone. If less than 30 days has passed since your test date, please do not contact KCTCS. If more than 30 days has passed, please call 1-877-528-2748.
Note: For a complete list of approved training providers, please contact Vicki Barber at Kentucky Health Choices at (502) 564-5707.
Testing Procedures and Study Guide is available from KCTCS. 
This document contains a complete list of KCTCS nurse aide testing and training coordinators on pages 4-5. KCTCS is the sole provider of nurse aide testing.
Q: How long is an active nurse aide registration valid?
A: SRNA active status is good for two years and must be renewed. The date you passed your nurse aide training examination is the date used for renewal of your active status. If you were employed in a private duty capacity, you will need to obtain a letter from your employer or a member of the patient's family, stating the time period you worked, the duties that you performed, and show proof that you were paid for your services.
NOTE: Renewal applications are mailed 2 months prior to expiration of active status. To receive renewal notification, your current address must be in the registry data base.
Q: Can I keep my registration by working in a hospital or by working private duty?
A: Yes. You can keep your registration in an active status if you were employed in a hospital for at least 8 hours for pay in a nursing related capacity during a two-year period and produce satisfactory evidence of having worked for pay. If you meet this requirement, you are eligible to have your registration renewed, and you do not have to be retested. Proof of employment can be a paycheck stub, W-2 form, or a letter from your employer on official letterhead stationery.
Q: Does Kentucky recognize the registration as a nurse aide that I obtained from another state?
A: Yes. If you are currently listed on another state’s registry in accordance with the federal requirements and wish to be registered in Kentucky, you may apply as long as you have active status on that state's registry.
Q: Where can I get state registered nurse aide training and testing?
A: Approved SRNA training programs and testing sites are located throughout Kentucky. For a complete list of approved training providers, please contract Vicki Barber at Kentucky Health Choices at 502-564-5707.
Testing Procedures and Study Guide is available from KCTCS.
Note: This document contains a complete list of KCTCS nurse aide testing and training coordinators on pages 4-5. KCTCS is the sole provider of nurse aide testing.
Q: My registration has expired, may I renew it?
A: SRNAs must renew their registration every two years. You can renew by submitting proof of employment for at least 8 hours of nursing related duties for pay during the two-year span that your registration was active.
Q: Do state registered nurse aides have to receive in-service education?
A: Yes. Each nursing facility is required by regulation to provide 12 hours of in-service education per calendar year for each SRNA employee. This is a requirement that must be met by each nursing facility. SRNAs should be accountable for tracking their 12 hours of in-service. However, it is the responsibility of the nursing facility to be in compliance with the regulation. This information can be obtained from Kentucky Health Choices.
Q: Where can a state registered nurse aide obtain a copy of his or her registration?
A: KNAR does NOT issue copies of the registration. KNAR will send a letter verifying that a person is listed as a SRNA on the registry.
Note: Effective December 1, 2006 State Registered Nurse Aide Cards will no longer be issued, only letters stating that you passed your exam.
Q: What happens when a state registered nurse aide is accused of abusing or neglecting a resident or misusing the property of a resident of a nursing home?
A: The Office of the Inspector General regulates SRNAs in long-term care. Contact the agency directly for additional information.