New CNA Initial Application Process Effective March 2, 2020

Per a South Dakota Department of Health (DOH) memo issued January 24, effective on March 2, 2020, Certified Nurse Aides (CNAs) are required to fill out an online application form  to determine if they are eligible to be on the CNA registry.  Due to the variation in how facilities perform background checks the DOH has implemented this new process to check eligibility of a CNA prior to enrolling and starting the training program. Currently, the DOH only conducts verficiation of the CNA eligibility at the 2-year renewal point. Once a CNA fills out the application, providers can expect to get notification of eligibility within 5-7 working days or possibly sooner if the Department does not have to research disciplinary information noted by the CNA.