The CNA Registry

Change Of Address or Name

The California Department of Public Health must be kept informed of your current address and name so that you can receive notification of certification renewal on the Registry. Failure to inform the CDPH of an address change may jeopardize your certification status. If your address or name changes at any time after you are placed on the Registry, you must send written notification of this change to the CDPH. Visit http:// www.cdph.ca.gov or contact the California Department of Public Health Registry Unit at (916) 327-2445.

Re-certification

Nursing assistants on the California Nursing Assistant Registry must renew their certification through the California Department of Public Health in order to stay active. Visit http://www.cdph.ca.gov or contact the California Department of Public Health Registry Unit at (916) 327-2445.

Lapsed Certification

Under federal requirements, certification as a nurse assistant becomes invalid after a lapse of twenty-four (24) consecutive months or more in the performance of paid nursing-related services. It is critical to maintain a personal file of your past work history that can be validated by your prospective employer. Visit http://www.cdph.ca.gov/  or contact the California Department of Public Health Registry Unit at (916) 327-2445.

Certification By Reciprocity

Reciprocity is a process by which a certified nurse assistant from another state may qualify for certification in California. You are eligible for reciprocity if you are a nurse assistant in a state other than California in accordance with the competency evaluation requirements of OBRA ’87, and if you are currently listed on the other state’s registry as active and in good standing. Visit http://www.cdph.ca.gov or contact the California Department of Public Health Registry Unit at (916) 327-2445.