08/21/2025

JCARR Hears Pushback on Certified Medication Aide Rules

The Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review (JCARR) heard testimony last week opposing proposed rules for certified medication aides (CMAs), filed by the Ohio Board of Nursing (OBN) following passage of SB 144 (Romanchuk).

The CMA rules, which have already drawn concerns in public hearings earlier this month, were added to JCARR’s agenda at the last minute and sparked further debate. Licensed practical nurse Paul Dohse of Xenia and licensed nursing home administrator and registered nurse Sherri Gunasekera of Beavercreek both argued that the rules conflict with state and federal law and place residents at risk.

Dohse criticized the reduction of CMA training to just one and a half days, warning that the change would allow individuals with minimal instruction to administer medications, including opioids. He said the new rules conflict with the Nurse Practice Act and the federal Nursing Home Reform Act by eliminating standardized training and testing requirements. Gunasekera also questioned the safety of allowing CMAs to administer dangerous medications with such limited preparation.

Rep. Brennan (D-Parma) suggested opponents’ issues might be with SB144 itself, not the rules. 

OBN staff responded that the proposed rules align with the intent of SB 144 and were crafted to comply with the Ohio Revised Code. However, legislators on the panel, including Sen. Bill DeMora (D-Columbus), echoed concerns about CMAs’ limited training hours and the potential risks of medication administration without direct nurse notification.

JCARR did not take action on the rule at the meeting.

Read the full report from The Hannah Report here.