As a Registered Nurse and a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator, I support the petition to eliminate the national exam and replace it with a state exam for the following reasons:

1.  Assisted Living is regulated at the State level and should be tested by a State exam based on State regulations.

2.  A national exam without one set of federal standards is unwarranted and not relevant to assisted living, especially if it utilizes a nursing home model.

3. The additional cost of the exam and study guide places an undue burden on those already struggling with the sharp increases in the cost of fuel, electricity, food and high cost of living.

4.  Each and every day, throughout the Commonwealth, quality care and services are being delivered in Assisted Living communities by competent, caring Executive Directors without this requirement.

Thanks in advance for your thoughtful consideration.  A re-alignment of licensure requirements with the Governor's mandate would be much appreciated.

Silva K. M. Gerety

MPA; MSN; RN; NEA-BC; NHA