(1) Initial applicant requirements: Applicants for an initial medication assistant endorsement must meet the following requirements:

(a) Be certified as a nursing assistant-certified, with a certification in good standing, under chapter 18.88A RCW;

(b) Successfully complete a nursing commission-approved medication assistant education and training program, as described in WAC 246-841-590 (6) and (7) within the immediate year prior to the date of application;

(c) Complete at least one thousand hours of work experience in a nursing home as a nursing assistant-certified within the immediate year prior to the date of application; and

(d) After completing the requirements in (a) through (c) of this subsection, pass the nursing commission-approved medication assistant competency evaluation. Each applicant must successfully complete a written competency evaluation. The competency evaluation must measure an individual's knowledge and skills related to the safe, competent performance as a medication assistant. The evaluation assesses the competency specification required in the core curriculum as listed in WAC 246-841-590(6).

(2) Application requirements:

(a) To obtain an initial medication assistant endorsement credential, the nursing assistant-certified must submit to the department:

(i) An application on forms approved by the secretary.

(ii) The applicable fees under WAC 246-841-990.

(iii) Proof of completion of a nursing commission approved medication assistant:

(A) Education and training program under WAC 246-841-590 (6) and (7); and

(B) Competency evaluation under subsection (1) of this section; and

(iv) Employer documentation of work experience as required in subsection (1)(c) of this section.

(b) An applicant who is currently credentialed as a medication assistant in another state or jurisdiction may qualify for a medication assistant endorsement credential under this chapter. An applicant must submit to the department:

(i) An application on forms approved by the secretary;

(ii) Written verification directly from the state or jurisdiction in which the applicant is credentialed, attesting that the applicant holds a credential substantially equivalent to the medication assistant endorsement credential in Washington in good standing, and is not subject to charges or disciplinary action;

(iii) Verification of completion of the required education that is substantially equivalent to the education requirements as described in WAC 246-841-590 (6) and (7);

(iv) Employer documentation of work experience as required in subsection (1)(c) of this section; and

(v) The applicable fees under WAC 246-841-990.

(3) Renewal requirements: To renew a medication assistant endorsement credential, the medication assistant must have a current nursing assistant-certified credential in good standing, and meet the requirements of WAC 246-12-030.

(4) Continuing competency requirements: A medication assistant shall meet the following requirements on an annual basis to coincide with renewal of their nursing assistant-certified credentials:

(a) Employer documentation of successful completion of two hundred fifty hours of employment as a medication assistant in a nursing home setting under the direct supervision of a registered nurse;

(b) Documentation of eight hours of continuing education specific to medications, medication administration, and performance of selected patient treatments. Continuing education hours must be obtained through a nursing commission-approved medication education and training program as described in WAC 246-841-590 (6) and (7), continuing education programs approved by a professional association, or staff development programs offered in a nursing home. The education hours must directly relate to the medication assistant's role of medication administration and the performance of selected patient treatments.