Sen. Talbot Ross bill to expand language access for nursing assistant certification receives initial Senate approval

AUGUSTA — On Monday, June 9, the Maine Senate gave initial approval to legislation from Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, that would expand access to Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credentials by requiring that written exams be offered in multiple languages. LD 1720, “Resolve, Regarding Certified Nursing Assistant Examinations,” directs the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to offer CNA exams in French, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin and Filipino by January 1, 2026.

“Language should not be a barrier to entering the caregiving workforce — especially when our long-term care facilities are struggling to find staff,” said Sen. Talbot Ross. “LD 1720 removes an artificial hurdle for multilingual Mainers who are ready and willing to serve in these vital roles. It’s a step toward workforce resilience and helps us meet our responsibility to ensure equal access to opportunity.”

As amended by the committee, this resolve would require DHHS’s Division of Licensing and Certification to work with experts and stakeholders to ensure translated exams are accurate and culturally appropriate. In addition to the initial translation, the department would receive funding to ensure future exam updates are also translated.

The bill supports Maine’s broader efforts to strengthen the long-term care workforce amid a growing elder population and persistent staffing shortages in nursing homes and home health agencies.

LD 1720 has been passed by both the Senate and House. It now awaits final funding approval from the Legislature’s Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee before it can become law.

Sen. Talbot Ross is serving her first term in the Maine Senate, representing part of her hometown of Portland and Peaks Island. She serves as the Senate Chair of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee and sits on the Judiciary Committee.