Recommended. It is important to know that over the counter dietary supplements are classified as food by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There are also prescription dietary supplements. A prescription is required by an authorized health care practitioner is required if the supplement is classified as a prescription drug.
While RN delegation is not required to give dietary or herbal supplements classified as food by the FDA, the Washington State Board of Nursing recommends the RN delegate administration of dietary or herbal supplements to the NA-R/NA-C) or HCA-C in community-based* and in-home care settings.
Questions and Answers on Dietary Supplements | FDA
The RN must follow the nurse delegation process. The following statutes and WACs are applicable to community-based* and in-home care settings:
RCW 18.79.260: Registered Nurse—Activities Allowed—Delegation of Tasks
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 the statute and WACs noted 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