Services

The Nurse Delegation Program, under Washington State law, allows caregivers (homecare workers and nursing assistants) working in certain settings to perform some basic nursing tasks--such as, but not limited to, the administration of prescription medications, oxygen or blood glucose testing—normally, under the law, performed only by licensed nurses. A registered nurse must teach and supervise the caregivers, as well as provide nursing assessments of the patient's condition. This service allows clients to remain in their community setting such as their own home, Adult Family Home, or Supported Living Agency vs. a more formal HC setting (assisted living, nursing home) even though they require a basic level of skilled nursing care. Delegation is specific to each client's needs. Delegation of the client's nursing tasks is also specific for each caregiver and nurse (delegation is non-transferrable between different clients or delegating nurses)--unless client's ongoing delegation is "assumed" by another nurse delegator. Delegation is specific to the nurse, because the caregivers work under the delegating nurse's license. These services ensure the quality of care being provided to clients by caregivers, and the competency of those caregivers in the community setting to do these tasks. Without these delegation services, the caregivers cannot, by law, perform the skilled nursing tasks the client’s condition may require. In order for a client to qualify for delegation, the client must be either• Unable to physically complete the task themselves or• Cognitively unaware of the need for/understanding of the task These services are covered by DSHS Medicaid, but are not, however, covered by Medicare or most HC insurance policies.