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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