CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant)
A state-certified care worker trained in basic nursing care skills. CNAs are qualified for more complex personal care tasks and may be required for high-acuity clients or certain payer programs.
Also known as: CNA · certified nursing assistant · nursing aide · state-certified caregiver
A Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) holds a state-issued certification obtained through a training program and competency exam. CNA training covers basic nursing skills, safe patient handling, infection control, vital sign monitoring, and specialized care.
In non-medical home care, CNAs are not performing clinical procedures, but their training makes them better equipped for high-acuity clients — those with complex mobility needs, medical equipment, or post-hospital recovery requirements.
Certification requirements and scope of practice vary by state.
In home care, this means…
CNA status is tracked in the caregiver record and used in skill-based client matching. High-acuity or Medicaid waiver clients may require CNA-level caregivers.
Related terms
Caregiver →
A trained, non-medical care worker employed to deliver personal care, companionship, or homemaker services to clients in their home. The primary point of service delivery in home care.
Training →
Structured educational programs for caregivers covering orientation, compliance requirements, care skills, and specialty topics. Training is a compliance obligation, a quality investment, and a retention lever.
Acuity →
A measure of a client's overall care complexity and dependency level, based on ADL limitations, cognitive status, medical equipment needs, and behavioral factors. Higher acuity clients require more skilled caregivers and closer supervisory oversight.
Compliance →
Adherence to applicable laws, regulations, payer requirements, and agency policies. In home care, compliance spans licensing, caregiver certification, EVV, billing accuracy, documentation standards, and mandatory reporting obligations.