It depends. The RN is allowed to delegate administration of medications via clean technique to the NA-R/NA-C or HCA-C only in community-based* and in-home care settings. The RN cannot delegate any task that requires sterile technique in any setting.
When nurse delegation is allowed, the RN must follow the nurse delegation process outlined in RCW 18.79.260 (3)(a) to determine if delegation is appropriate.
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 246-840-940: 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 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