CNA Registry

A certified nurse aide (CNA) is an individual who has completed a nurse aide training and competency evaluation program (NATCEP), which has been approved by the State as meeting the requirements of 42 CFR 483.151 - 42 CFR 483.15, or who has been determined competent as provided in 42 CFR 483.150(a) and (b). The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandates that each state maintain a Nurse Aide Registry, for the purpose of tracking current certification status and any findings of abuse, neglect, and/or misappropriation.

The state of Louisiana also mandates that findings of abuse, neglect, and/or misappropriation placed against Direct Service Workers (DSWs) are maintained and tracked in the DSW Registry. The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) - Health Standards Section (HSS) manages the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry and the Direct Service Worker Registry. Most providers licensed by the LDH are required to check BOTH registries to verify employment eligibility.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) mandates that each state maintain a registry of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), for the purpose of tracking current certification status and any findings of abuse, neglect and/or misappropriation that has been placed. The state of Louisiana also mandates that findings of abuse, neglect, and/or misappropriation placed against Direct Service Workers (DSWs) are maintained and tracked in the registry. The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) - Health Standards Section manages the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry and the Direct Service Worker Registry.  Most providers licensed by the LDH require that employers check BOTH registries to verify employment eligibility. 

Regulations

For CNAs 

For Providers

For Both (CNAs and Providers)

Click on the topic name below to view more detailed information.

Proof of CNA Certification

The Registry only provides proof of a CNA certification, by printable verification of registry listings from the LA Nurse Aide Registry, please visit our online Registry at https://tlc.dhh.la.gov/ . 

 The registry can be searched by using only your social security number. 

  • Make sure to include the dashes. 
  • Once you select search, scroll down to the bottom of the page. 

 The information available includes original certification date, current certification status, date of expiration, and certification number. 

Nurse Aide Certification Status Verification

How to verify nurse aide certification:

  • Scroll up the webpage to the Verification section, then click the 'Verify the Status of CNA' button. 
  • Enter the social security number only.
    • You must enter the dashes in the social security number.
    • Scroll to the bottom of the page to see your information.
  • If you are having problems accessing the website as instructed above, please email the registry at [email protected] or call (225) 342-0138 to report a problem. 
Approved Certification Exam Testing Vendors 

How do I schedule my competency exam after I finish my training or retest for certification?

Effective July 1, 2018, all trainees must successfully pass the competency examination to be certified on the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry. 

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) partners with Prometric and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) to administer the Louisiana Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation exam. This ensures that all trainees meet the minimum requirements for certification in the state of Louisiana. Both testing vendors are able to assist with administering competency evaluation exams for newly trained nurse aides, as well as for those who require retesting. 

Prometric:

  • The Candidate Information Bulletin provides detailed instructions, an exam content outline, sample test questions, and a paper competency evaluation exam application.
  • For those testing through Prometric, please visit Prometric. 

LCTCS:

  • For those testing through LCTCS, please visit LCTCS.

Please note that the application must be submitted along with payment in order to schedule your examination for both testing vendors. 

FINDING on CNA Registry

A Finding refers to allegations of abuse, neglect, misappropriation, exploitation or extortion that are placed against a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) and/or Direct Service Worker (DSW) on the CNA Registry and/or DSW Registry by the department.

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) - Health Standards Section (HSS) manages the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry and the Direct Service Worker Registry. Most providers licensed by the LDH are required to check BOTH registries to verify employment eligibility.

You may contact the CNA Registry to inquire about a FINDING, by submitting your email to [email protected].

Please include the following in your email:

  • The subject of your email
  • The CNA’s:
    • Full name- as it currently appears on record
    • Date of birth
    • Certification number and/or Social Security number

Providing complete and accurate information will help ensure your request is processed in a timely and efficient manner.

Contact CNA Registry

Please note that you may submit questions to the Registry by email at [email protected]. Due to a high volume of phone calls, email is the fastest way to receive a response.

We strongly recommend checking the online Registry first to verify your status, find your certification number, confirm your expiration date, or check retesting eligibility. Most commonly requested information can be found on the Registry website or in the Helpful Links section below.

If you are unable to find the information you need, you may email your inquiry to [email protected]. To help us respond more quickly, please include your full name, certification number (or full Social Security number), and date of birth in your message.

The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) works with Prometric and the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) to administer the Louisiana Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation. To be added to the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry, trainees must successfully pass the competency exam given by either Prometric or LCTCS.

If you have questions about scheduling your exam or any other testing-related concerns, please contact the testing provider where you took your exam or plan to take it.

For questions related to RECIPROCITY (transferring your certification from another state), please contact Prometric directly, as our office is unable to assist with these requests.

Emergency Declaration: Temporary Waiver of Reciprocity

If an emergency has been declared in Louisiana, a CNA may work in the affected area for up to 30 days,  after current certification in their home state has been verified. Providers may use the Directory of State Registries to contact the appropriate out-of-state Registry for verification. If the aide wishes to work more than 30 days, they must apply for reciprocity with the Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry. 

Helpful Links
  • Medication Attendant Certified (MAC)
    • Information regarding certified nurse aides (CNAs) with additional training in medication preparation and administration (to work in nursing homes) 
  • Health Standards Section
    • The section of LDH that licenses and enforces regulatory compliance for health care providers in the state of Louisiana

Contact

Please note that you may submit questions to the Registry by email at [email protected] . Due to a high volume of phone calls, email is the fastest way to receive a response.

Louisiana Nurse Aide Registry
Department of Health (LDH) - Health Standards Section
P. O. Box 3767
Baton Rouge, LA  70821 
Email: [email protected]

For questions regarding Nurse Aide Registry call 225-342-0138.

For questions regarding Nurse Aide/Direct Service Worker, adverse action findings call 225-342-3240.

For problems accessing or navigating the Louisiana Registry System (LARS),e-mail the issues to [email protected].

Surgeon General Evelyn Griffin, MD

Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein

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