Panel adopts revised medical skills training guidelines, broadens eligible occupations

The Employment Training Panel on May 29 unanimously adopted revised medical skills training guidelines that broaden program eligibility and streamline curriculum rules.

Liz Ta of ETP’s legal team presented the changes that emerged from a year-long policy committee review. Key revisions include dropping the prior 50% cap on computer-based training, removing a sample curriculum and comparison table that staff said mixed dissimilar training models, and eliminating a general orientation allowance for nurses. Importantly, the guidelines now explicitly include community health occupations that require medical skills training, in addition to allied health occupations, as eligible for the medical skills pathway.

Policy committee members had reviewed and recommended the update in April; with the panel’s approval, ETP staff said the new language will guide staff reviews of relevant proposals and ensure consistency with other ETP requirements.

Panel members praised staff work on the guidelines and approved the revisions by roll call. Staff said they will reflect the updated guidance in forthcoming contract and solicitation materials.