Ky.gov

Kentucky Board of Nursing

Certified Medication Aide

Scope of Practice

​​CMA Scope of Practice 

Under Kentucky law, the title "CMA" refers to Certified Medication Aides. CMAs are unlicensed professionals who work in long-term care facilities and help with medication administration. However, some institutions also offer a certification as Medical Assistants. These roles are not the same. 

If you are considering either of these career paths, you should​ contact the educational institution to learn about the differences between the programs.​

​CMA I and CMA II credential holders may administer medications under the delegation of a nurse within the limits set forth in Kentucky Administrative Regulations, 201 KAR 20:700.

​CMA I can “administer oral or topical medication under the delegation of a nurse upon successful completion of a board approved examination that validates the competency of the topics covered by the CMA curriculum.” See, 201 KAR 20:700, Section 2(1)(b).

CMA II role includes the scope of practice of a CMA I (described above)  additionally, they can “administer only insulin via preloaded insulin pen upon successful completion of a board approved program that validates the competency of administration of insulin via preloaded insulin pen.” See, 201 KAR 20:700, Section 2(2)(b).

You may view 201 KAR 20:700 Medication aide training programs and credentialing of medication aides here: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/201/020/700/  

You may view 201 KAR 20:400 Delegation of Nursing Tasks here: https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/kar/titles/201/020/400/
For additional information on the role of CMAs in various settings, you may view additional information at:​

  • ​902 KAR 20:480. Assisted living communities 
  • 902 KAR 20:048. Operation and services; nursing homes 
  • 902 KAR 20:320. Level I and Level II psychiatric residential treatment facility operations and services 
  • 902 KAR 20:086. Operation and services; intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities 
  • 902 KAR 20:291​​. Alzheimer’s nursing homes​
Contact CHFS for additional information at:
Cabinet for Health and Family Services  
275 E. Main St.  
Frankfort, KY 40601 
Phone:(502) 564-6930 

​How can I become credentialed as a CMA?

The requirements to obtain the CMA I credential include:
• The Ability to Read, Write, & Speak English
• The Ability to Work Basic Math
• Have a High School Diploma or GED
• Be a State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA) with 6-months of Continuous Work Experience
• Complete a CMA I Training Program and Complete the MACE or a Board Approved Examination within 60 days of Program Completion

The requirements to obtain the CMA II credential include: 

• Obtained the CMA I Credential
• Complete a CMA II Training Program and Complete a Board Approved Examination within 60 days of Program Completion

Click here​ to learn more about the application/renewal process. 








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