Retests required for 539 nursing assistants after suspicious pattern found in test results
(KMSP) - More than 500 people who took the tests required to become federally qualified nursing assistants will have to retake their exams after an investigation found suspicious patterns in the test results at two different testing sites in the Twin Cities.
An investigation by the Minnesota Department of Health found evidence of anomalies in test results at the Inver Hills Community College Center for Professional and Workforce Development and its satellite location at Blue Sky Online in West St. Paul. MDH says the anomalies mean the tests are unreliable in determining if someone is qualified to become a nursing assistant.
As a precaution, MDH is requiring retests for everyone who everyone who took the tests at either location between May 1, 2014 and October, 16, 2015. The workers will not be charged for retesting.
MDH assistant commissioner Gil Acevedo said patients are not at risk because in addition to taking the qualification test, nursing assistants are supervised and receive specialized training prior to working with patients.
“Regardless, it is important to re-establish the credentials of these nursing assistants as quickly as possible without causing an undue disruption for workers, employers, or patients," Acevedo said.
Testing is no longer being offered at either site pending the outcome of the investigation.
Next steps
If you took the test and passed it at Inver Hills Community College or its location at Blue Sky Online in West St. Paul between May 1, 2014, and October 16, 2015, you should notify your employer and contact MDH at 651-201-4131 or health.nurseaidetesting@state.mn.us.
If you are an employer, you should determine if your nursing assistants took the test at Inver Hills Community College or its location at Blue Sky Online in West St. Paul between May 1, 2014, and October 16, 2015. If you become aware of someone who should retake the test, contact MDH at at 651-201-4131 or health.nurseaidetesting@state.mn.us.