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Nurse Delegation
Nurse Delegation is a program in Washington State that allows caregivers with their Home Care Aide (HCA) or Nursing Assistant (NAC/NAR) certification to perform certain tasks that would normally be performed by Registered Nurses (RN). These tasks can include administering medications and blood glucose testing, along with other medical tasks. The RN remains responsible for assessing a client's needs and will determine which tasks can be delegated to the caregiver.
This process helps clients receive necessary care safely within their home or community setting without creating additional barriers. Nurse Delegation also creates an opportunity for caregivers to expand their skills and take on greater responsibility in their roles to grow within the healthcare field. You can learn more about the definition and requirements for Nurse Delegation by reviewing WAC 246-840-930 and WAC 246-841A-405.
Who Can Be Nurse Delegated?
The following caregiver types can qualify to be Nurse Delegated after completing Nurse Delegation training:
Home Care Aides (HCAs)
Who work in a residential care facility
Nursing Assistants (NACs/NARs)
Who work in a residential care facility
Independent Providers (IPs)
Who work with a home care agency with clients in the COPES program**
**IPs who work through the COPES program directly with a client must be members of the SEIU union and do not require nurse delegation. They perform those same tasks under the designation of "self-directed care." This means that because no licensed facility is involved, the client becomes the employer. The client is responsible for training the IP and "self-directing" the task, but without requiring nurse delegation.
Steps to Nurse Delegation
Obtain an HCA or NA License
You must be certified as a Home Care Aide or Nursing Assistant to meet the requirements for nurse delegation. This ensures you meet basic training standards for caregiving.
1
Complete an approved Nurse Delegation Course
Enroll in a state-approved Nurse Delegation training course. This course teaches you how to safely perform nursing tasks under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN). You will then need to pass your final written exam.
2
Work With a Delegating Registered Nurse
Once you've completed your training, you'll need to partner an RN who can assess your clients and determine which tasks can be delegated. They must also verify your skills in the needed tasks before delegation can begin.
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