The RN is allowed to delegate medication administration to the NA-R/NA-C or HCA-C only in community-based settings* and in-home care settings. The RN must follow the nurse delegation process. 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 246-840-940: 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