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Question
Is the registered nurse (RN) allowed to delegate application of a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) unit to the nursing assistant-registered/nursing assistant-certified (NA-R/NA-C) or home care aide-certified (HCA-C)?
Answer

Yes. The most common type of electrotherapy is TENS. The RN may delegate the task of applying a TENS unit to the NA-R/NA-C or HCA-C. The RN must follow the delegation process outlined in RCW 18.79.260 (3)(a) to make that determination.

In addition, the following statute and WACs are applicable to nurse delegation in community-based* and in-home care settings:

RCW 18.79.260: Registered Nurse—Activities Allowed—Delegation of Tasks

WAC 246-840-910: Purpose

WAC 246-840-920: Definitions

WAC 246-840-930: Criteria

WAC 246-840-940: Community-Based and In-Home Care Nursing Delegation Decision Tree

WAC 246-840-950: How to Make Changes to Delegated Tasks

WAC 246-840-960: Rescinding Delegation

WAC 246-840-970: Accountability, Liability, and Coercion

 

*Community-based settings include adult family homes, assisted living facilities, and residential homes for individuals with developmental disabilities (RCW 18.79.260).

 

The HCA-C is allowed to work only in community-based*, in-home care settings, and enhanced service facilities. The following statutes and WACs are applicable to nurse delegation to the HCA-C in addition to those listed above:

RCW 18.88B.070: Nurse Delegated Tasks

WAC 246-980-130 Provision of Delegation of Certain Tasks to the HCA-C

WAC 246-980-140: Scope of Practice for Long-Term Care Workers

WAC 246-980-150: Standards of Practice

FAQ Category
Nursing Delegation
Audience