Section 246-840-950. How to make changes to the delegated tasks.

(1) Medication. The registered nurse delegator discusses with the nursing assistant or home care aide the process for continuing, rescinding, or adding medications to the delegation list when the changes occur:

(a) The registered nurse delegator verifies the change in medication or a new medication order with the health care provider;

(b) If the medication dosage or type of medication changes or for the same problem (i.e., one medication is deleted and another is substituted) and the patient remains in a stable and predictable condition, delegation continues at the registered nurse delegator's discretion; and

(c) If a new medication is added, the registered nurse delegator reviews the criteria and process for delegation prior to delegating the administration of the new medication to the nursing assistant or home care aide. The registered nurse delegator maintains the authority to decide if the new medication can be delegated immediately, if a site visit is warranted prior to delegation, or if delegation is no longer appropriate. If delegation is rescinded, the registered nurse delegator initiates and participates in developing an alternative plan to meet the needs of the patient.

(2) Treatments and/or procedures.

(a) The registered nurse delegator verifies the change in the medical order with the health care provider.

(b) The registered nurse delegator decides if the new treatment or procedure can be delegated immediately, if a site visit is warranted prior to delegation, or if delegation is no longer appropriate. If rescinding delegation, the registered nurse delegator initiates and participates in developing an alternative plan to meet the needs of the patient.

Transferring delegation to another registered nurse.

(3) The registered nurse delegator may transfer the delegation process to another registered nurse. The registered nurse assuming responsibility assesses the patient, the skills of the nursing assistant or home care aide, and the plan of care. The registered nurse is accountable and responsible for the delegated task. The registered nurse delegator must document the following in the patient's record:

(a) The reason and justification for another registered nurse assuming responsibility for the delegation;

(b) The registered nurse assuming responsibility must agree, in writing, to perform the supervision; and

(c) The nursing assistant or home care aide and patient have been informed of this change.

[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.110, 18.79.260, 2012 c 164, and 2012 c 10. WSR 13-15-063, § 246-840-950, filed 7/15/13, effective 8/15/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.110, 18.79.260, 18.88A060 [18.88A.060], and 18.88A.210. WSR 09-06-006, § 246-840-950, filed 2/18/09, effective 3/21/09. Statutory Authority: Chapters 18.79 and 18.88A RCW. WSR 02-02-047, § 246-840-950, filed 12/27/01, effective 1/27/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.79 RCW. WSR 96-05-060, § 246-840-950, filed 2/19/96, effective 3/21/96.]

RCW 18.79.110, 18.79.260, 2012 c 164, and 2012 c 10. WSR 13-15-063, § 246-840-950, filed 7/15/13, effective 8/15/13. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.79.110, 18.79.260, 18.88A060 [18.88A.060], and 18.88A.210. WSR 09-06-006, § 246-840-950, filed 2/18/09, effective 3/21/09. Statutory Authority: Chapters 18.79 and 18.88A RCW. WSR 02-02-047, § 246-840-950, filed 12/27/01, effective 1/27/02. Statutory Authority: Chapter 18.79 RCW. WSR 96-05-060, § 246-840-950, filed 2/19/96, effective 3/21/96.