(a)  The state department shall convene a work group to develop recommendations to the department on ways to expand the availability of training programs and certified nurse assistants available for hire in the state. The work group shall investigate, but not be limited to investigating, all of the following:

(1)  Work-based learning programs for students in the regional occupational programs in the state.

(2)  Utilization of apprenticeships.

(3)  Promotional programs for training centers and certified nurse assistant jobs.

(4)  Utilization of expanded data resources.

(b)  The recommendations required by subdivision (a) shall be submitted by the work group to the state department on or before July 1, 2001.

(c)  The work group shall consist of, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(1)  A representative from the State Department of Education.

(2)  Nurse-Assistant training center representatives.

(3)  A director of staff development for a long-term health care facility.

(4)  A publisher of nurse assistant training and competency curricula.

(5)  An industry representative.

(6)  A currently certified nurse assistant.

(7)  A consumer representative.

(8)  A labor union representative.

(9)  A representative of the American Red Cross.

(10)  The Chancellor of the California Community Colleges.

(11)  A representative from the Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development.

(12)  A registered nurse and a licensed vocational nurse, both of whom are currently providing long-term care nursing services.

(Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 719, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2000.)