Texas 5506 Nar Template

Guidelines on Filling in Texas 5506 Nar

The process of filling out the Texas 5506-NAR form is a critical step for individuals working as nurse aides in Texas who are seeking to verify or recertify their certifications. This form, split into two main sections, requires detailed information from the nurse aide and their employer. It is essential to follow the instructions carefully and provide accurate and complete information to avoid delays or rejection of the application. Below are the step-by-step instructions for completing this form accurately.

1. Begin with Section 1, which must be filled out by the nurse aide. Enter your Name (Last, First, Middle), and include your Maiden Name if it applies.
2. Provide your current Mailing Address, including Street or P.O. Box, City, State, and ZIP Code.
3. Fill in your Social Security Number, Email Address, and Daytime Phone Number with the area code. Be sure to include accurate contact information for communication purposes.
4. Indicate your Sex and Date of Birth, followed by your CNA Certificate Number.
5. Answer whether you are listed on the Employee Misconduct Registry (EMR) as unemployable. If you have been found to have a conviction of a criminal offense listed under Texas Health and Safety Code, §250.006, provide the date of conviction.
6. Confirm if you have completed 24 hours of in-service education in the past two years and whether you have completed an HHSC course in infection control and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) once each year in the past 24 months.
7. After entering all the required information in Section 1, sign and date at the bottom of this section to verify that the information provided is correct.
8. Proceed to Section 2, which must be completed by your employer. This section may be given to the facility program director, the official keeper of records, or your actual employer for completion.
9. Your employer must fill in their Name or Company Name, Daytime Phone Number with the area code, and their Mailing Address.
10. The employer needs to certify that you were employed as a nurse aide and performed nursing/nursing-related services, including the dates of employment. They must also confirm that they are not aware of any disqualifying misconduct on your part.
11. The employer's signature must be notarized. Ensure the employer signs and dates this section before a notary. The notary will also need to sign, date, and apply their seal or stamp.
12. After both sections are completed, review the form to ensure all information is accurate and complete. Missing or incorrect information can lead to the form being returned without action.
13. Email the completed form and any required documents to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry at nurseaideregistry@hhs.texas.gov.

Once the form has been submitted, it is crucial to keep a copy for your records. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will process your form, and you may contact the Nurse Aide Registry for any questions or to follow up on your certification status. Remember, maintaining accurate and up-to-date certification is essential for your continued employment as a nurse aide in Texas.

What is the Texas 5506-NAR form used for?

The Texas 5506-NAR form is utilized for verifying employment as part of the process for certifying or recertifying nurse aides in Texas. It is critical for ensuring that nurse aides meet the state's requirements regarding work history and in-service education as part of their certification maintenance.

How do I complete Section 1 of the form?

To complete Section 1, a nurse aide must fill out their personal and certification information fully and accurately. This includes their name, contact information, Social Security number, date of birth, and CNA certificate number. They must also answer questions about their conduct and education history, then sign the form to attest to the truthfulness of the provided information.

What information is required from employers in Section 2?

Employers need to provide:

• The name and contact information of the employer or facility.
• The employment period of the nurse aide.
• A certification that the nurse aide provided nursing or nursing-related services and there's no known disqualifying misconduct.
• The employer’s signature, which must be notarized.

How can I verify my CNA certification status?

Certification status can be verified by visiting the link https://emr.dads.state.tx.us/DadsEMRWeb/. This online tool allows nurse aides and employers to check the status of a CNA's certification quickly and easily.

Are there specific in-service education requirements?

Yes, nurse aides are required to complete 24 hours of in-service education every two years. Additionally, they must complete a course in infection control and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) once each year for the same period. Certificates of completion for these programs may be requested for audit by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).

What are the consequences of falsifying information on the form?

Falsifying a government record, such as the 5506-NAR form, is a third-degree felony in Texas. It can result in up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Where can I find more forms and information regarding the nurse aide registry?

Additional forms and detailed information about the nurse aide registry can be found at the Texas Health and Human Services website: https://hhs.texas.gov/doing-business-hhs/licensing-credentialing-regulation/nurse-aide-registry/nar-forms.

What steps should I take if I find incorrect information on my record?

If you discover inaccuracies on your record, you have the right to request a correction by contacting the Nurse Aide Registry at 512-438-2050. This is in line with your rights under Sections 552.021, 552.023, and 559.004 of the Government Code, allowing you to be informed about and request corrections to your obtained information.

When filling out the Texas Nurse Aide Registry Form 5506-NAR, individuals often make a number of common mistakes. It is crucial to avoid these errors to ensure the application process proceeds smoothly and efficiently.

1. Failing to complete all sections in detail: Not providing complete information in Section 1, particularly missing contact information or certification details, can cause delays.

2. Not signing the form: The applicant must sign Section 1 to verify that the provided information is correct. An unsigned form will be returned without action.

3. Omitting the verification by the employer in Section 2: The form requires the employer's verification and signature in Section 2, including notarization, which is often overlooked.

4. Forgetting to email the completed form and required documents: The completed form, along with any required documents, must be emailed to the specified address. Overlooking this step can invalidate the submission.

5. Incorrectly answering the recertification requirements questions: Applicants sometimes incorrectly answer questions related to in-service education or presence on the Employee Misconduct Registry, leading to the need for further verification.

6. Not providing a date of conviction if applicable: If the applicant has a conviction as specified, failing to provide the date of conviction can cause processing delays.

7. Not checking the requirements for in-service education: Applicants must have completed 24 hours of in-service education in the past two years. Neglecting to verify or document this requirement can lead to recertification issues.

8. Ignoring the annual infection control and PPE course requirement: Failing to acknowledge or complete the required courses in infection control and proper use of personal protective equipment each year can be a disqualifying factor.

9. Overlooking the audit note: In-service education requirements are subject to audit, and applicants must be prepared to submit in-service certificates if contacted. Not preparing for this possibility can result in recertification failure.

Avoiding these mistakes can greatly enhance the likelihood of successful processing of the Texas Nurse Aide Registry Form 5506-NAR. Attention to detail and ensuring all requirements are met before submission are key to navigating this process effectively.

When dealing with the Texas 5506-NAR form required for nurse aides to verify employment and ensure continued certification within the state, several accompanying documents might also need attention. These documents facilitate the smooth processing of the application, compliance with regulatory requirements, and verification of qualifications and identity.

• Form 5505-NAR - Request for Entry on the Texas Nurse Aide (NA) Registry through Reciprocity: This form is essential for nurse aides who are certified in another state and seeking to be listed on the Texas Nurse Aide Registry without needing to retake the competency exam. It requires verification of their current certification and good standing in the other state.
• Form 5560-NAR - Nurse Aide Verification of Employment Form: Similar to Form 5506-NAR, this form is used for verifying employment of a nurse aide, but it might be utilized in situations where recertification is not the immediate goal, such as when verifying employment history for other professional or educational reasons.
• Criminal History Check Consent Form: Due to the sensitive nature of the work, nurse aides must undergo a criminal history check to ensure they meet the state's safety and ethical standards. This consent form authorizes the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to conduct a background check as part of the certification or recertification process.
• In-Service Education Documentation: In compliance with state requirements, nurse aides must complete 24 hours of in-service education every two years to remain certified. Documentation or certificates from approved education programs must be retained and, upon request, submitted to the HHSC to prove compliance with this requirement.

In short, the process of maintaining or obtaining nurse aide certification in Texas involves more than just the 5506-NAR form. From proving eligibility for reciprocity to undergoing criminal background checks, a variety of forms and documents play crucial roles in ensuring that nurse aides meet all legal and professional requirements. Understanding and properly managing these documents is key to a smooth certification process.

• The Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification is similar because it also requires both employee and employer to fill out sections, verifying employment eligibility in the U.S., similar to how the Texas 5506-NAR form verifies a nurse aide's employment and qualifications.

• The W-4 Form (Employee's Withholding Certificate) parallels the 5506-NAR in that it is completed by new employees for tax purposes, ensuring the correct amount of tax is withheld, akin to how the 5506-NAR ensures nurse aides meet specific employment requirements.

• The Employment Verification Letter is similar since it serves as an employer's confirmation of an employee's current or past job status and salary, similar to section 2 of the 5506-NAR, where employment as a nurse aide is verified by the employer.

• State-Specific Nursing License Applications share similarities with the 5506-NAR form, as they require detailed personal information, employment history, and verification of qualifications for the purpose of licensing within a specific state.

• The Background Check Authorization Form parallels the 5506-NAR in that it requires an applicant's consent and personal information to conduct a background check, similar to how the 5506-NAR checks for any disqualifying misconduct and criminal convictions.

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Renewal Forms in other states are similar because they typically require verification of continuous employment and in-service education, akin to the employment and education verification sections of the Texas 5506-NAR form.

• The Healthcare Provider CPR Certification Form is similar as it requires proof of completion of a specific certification, similar to the requirement of the 5506-NAR form for nurse aides to prove their in-service education.

• The Professional Reference Form used in various professions can be similar to the 5506-NAR form in its function to verify the qualifications and suitability of the individual for a specific role, often involving both personal and professional information.

When filling out the Texas 5506-NAR form, it's essential to follow specific guidelines to ensure the process is completed correctly. Below are lists of things you should and shouldn't do for a smooth experience with this form.

Things You Should Do

1. Ensure that all information in Section 1, which the nurse aide completes, is filled out accurately and completely before signing to verify the correctness of the provided information.
2. Secure employer verification for Section 2, including making sure the employer or official keeper of records completes their portion accurately and signs it.
3. Have the employer's signature notarized at the bottom of Section 2, which is a crucial step for the form's validity.
4. Email the completed form along with any required documents to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry at nurseaideregistry@hhs.texas.gov to complete the submission process.
5. Verify your Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certification using the provided link to ensure your status is current and correct.

Things You Shouldn't Do

1. Do not leave any section incomplete; an incomplete form will be returned without action, delaying the certification or recertification process.
2. Avoid sending the form without the required supporting documents or not having the employer’s signature notarized, as this will cause the submission to be invalid.
3. Do not forget to check your status on the Employee Misconduct Registry (EMR); being listed as unemployable can affect your certification.
4. Avoid submitting the form without first checking that you have satisfied the required 24 hours of in-service education in the past two years and the HHSC course on infection control and PPE use annually in the past 24 months.
5. Do not attempt to tamper with or falsify information on the form; doing so is a felony punishable by law.

Understanding the Texas Nurse Aide Registry Form 5506-NAR is crucial for nurse aides seeking certification and recertification in Texas. However, misconceptions about the form can create confusion. Here are some of the common misunderstandings:

• The form is only for new certifications. Quite the contrary, the Texas 5506-NAR is not solely for obtaining initial certification. It's also vital for recertification. Nurse aides must submit this form to verify employment and in-service education hours to maintain their certification.
• Employer verification isn't necessary if you haven't worked as a nurse aide. This misunderstanding can lead to delays or rejections. Even if a nurse aide has not been employed in a position requiring certification, Section 2 of the form still needs to be completed by a recent employer or program director, acknowledging the nurse aide's status and competency.
• In-service education can be completed at any time. This form requires verification that the nurse aide has completed 24 hours of in-service education in the past two years, including an HHSC-approved course in infection control and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) at least once every 12 months. This education must be approved and cannot be completed all at once or at any time.
• Emailing the form is the final step. While the completed form should be emailed to the Texas Nurse Aide Registry, this is not the final step for certification or recertification. Nurse aides should ensure all provided information is accurate and be prepared for further verification steps, such as submitting in-service education certificates upon request. This form is part of an ongoing process to ensure the quality and capability of nurse aides in Texas.

Correcting these misunderstandings enhances understanding and compliance with the Texas Health and Human Services Commission's requirements for nurse aide certification and recertification. Ensuring the accurate completion and submission of the Texas 5506-NAR form is a critical step in maintaining high standards of care in the healthcare industry.

Here are key takeaways about filling out and using the Texas 5506-NAR form:

• Nurse aides must complete all information in Section 1 of the form and sign it to verify that the information provided is correct.
• The form requires employer verification in Section 2, which must be completed by the facility program director, the official keeper of records, or the actual employer.
• An essential step in the form’s submission is having the employer’s signature notarized at the bottom of Section 2 before returning the form to the nurse aide.
• To maintain or verify Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) certification, the Texas Nurse Aide Registry provides an online link for easy access to certification status.
• The Texas Nurse Aide Registry mandates that nurse aides complete 24 hours of in-service education in the past two years, and they must be prepared to submit in-service certificates if audited.
• Submitting inaccurate information or attempting to falsify the 5506-NAR form is considered a serious offense and can result in charges of a third-degree felony, including penalties up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
• Nurse aides are encouraged to use online resources provided by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission for forms and information about in-service education programs.

It is crucial for nurse aides to ensure all sections are correctly filled out and to be aware of the potential legal consequences of submitting false information. The Texas Nurse Aide Registry emphasizes the importance of the accuracy and integrity of the information provided.