Licensed RN Delegators in Washington State

Seattle's Trusted Nurse Delegation Services

Professional medication administration delegation for adult family homes, assisted living facilities, and in-home care. WAC-compliant services from experienced registered nurses serving King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties.

Understanding Nurse Delegation

What is Nurse Delegation?

Nurse delegation allows a Registered Nurse (RN) to transfer the performance of specific clinical tasks to a nursing assistant (CNA), home care aide (HCA), or other unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)—helping patients live more independently in community settings.

Where Delegation Happens

Nurse delegation is most common in community settings like:

  • Adult family homes
  • Assisted living facilities
  • Private residences (in-home care)
  • Group homes and community residential programs

Key Requirement: The patient must be considered "stable and predictable" for tasks to be delegated. Our RN delegators carefully assess each patient to ensure delegation is appropriate and safe. According to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS), adult family homes provide a vital community-based care alternative for many Washington residents.

Delegable Clinical Tasks

Beyond basic personal care, nurses can delegate several clinical services as outlined in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-840:

  • Medication administration (oral, topical, inhaled)
  • Insulin injections
  • G-tube feedings and tube care
  • Wound care and dressing changes
  • Catheter care and bowel programs
  • Respiratory suctioning and cough-assist
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Clinical Task Delegation

Safe delegation of medications, tube feedings, wound care, and more to trained caregivers following evidence-based practices.

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WAC Compliance

All services meet Washington State WAC 246-840 requirements for nurse delegation, ensuring full regulatory compliance.

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Community Independence

Enabling patients to live independently in homes and community settings rather than institutional facilities.

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RN Oversight

Ongoing registered nurse supervision ensures patient safety, quality outcomes, and continuous care improvement.

Why It Matters

The Importance of Professional Nurse Delegation

Supporting Community-Based Care

Washington State has long recognized the value of community-based care as an alternative to institutional settings. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) research demonstrates that patients often experience better quality of life and health outcomes when they can receive care in familiar, homelike environments.

Nurse delegation makes this possible by extending the reach of nursing care. When an RN delegates medication administration or other clinical tasks to a trained caregiver, patients who would otherwise require placement in a skilled nursing facility can instead remain in adult family homes, assisted living facilities, or their own residences.

Quality Care Through Proper Oversight

Professional nurse delegation is not simply about paperwork—it's about ensuring that vulnerable patients receive safe, appropriate care. The delegating RN remains responsible for patient outcomes, which means they have a vested interest in:

  • Thoroughly assessing each patient before delegation
  • Providing comprehensive training to caregivers
  • Creating clear, detailed care protocols
  • Conducting regular reassessments and oversight visits
  • Responding promptly to changes in patient condition

Regulatory Framework in Washington

Washington State's nurse delegation framework is established under WAC 246-840-910 through 246-840-970, administered by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. These regulations specify:

  • Who can delegate (licensed RNs only)
  • Who can receive delegation (qualified NAs and HCAs)
  • What tasks can and cannot be delegated
  • Required training and documentation
  • Ongoing oversight requirements

Our RN delegators maintain thorough knowledge of these regulations and stay current with any updates from the Nursing Commission. This expertise ensures that your facility remains compliant during state surveys and audits.

Benefits for Care Facilities

For adult family home providers and assisted living facility operators, professional nurse delegation services provide essential support:

  • Ability to serve residents with complex medication needs
  • Compliance documentation for regulatory surveys
  • Staff training and competency verification
  • Reduced liability through proper RN oversight
  • Enhanced quality of care and resident satisfaction

Why Choose Us

Experienced RN Delegators You Can Trust

Our team of licensed registered nurses brings years of experience in nurse delegation and community-based care. We understand the unique needs of adult family homes, assisted living facilities, and in-home care providers throughout the Seattle metropolitan area.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) emphasizes the importance of proper nursing oversight in care facilities. Our services align with these federal quality standards while meeting Washington State's specific requirements.

  • Licensed and insured registered nurses
  • Extensive experience in community-based care settings
  • Thorough knowledge of WAC 246-840 regulations
  • Responsive support and ongoing oversight
  • Flexible scheduling to meet your needs
  • Comprehensive caregiver training and documentation
Learn More About Us
RN delegator consulting with care provider

How It Works

Our Nurse Delegation Process

We follow a systematic, WAC-compliant process to ensure safe and effective delegation for every patient.

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Initial Consultation

Contact us to discuss your facility's needs. We'll explain the delegation process, answer questions, and schedule an on-site visit. This initial consultation is typically completed within 1-2 business days.

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Patient Assessment

Our RN delegator conducts a comprehensive assessment of each patient, reviewing their medical history, current medications, and care needs. We determine if delegation is appropriate per WAC requirements.

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Caregiver Training

We verify caregiver qualifications (NA-R, NA-C, or HCA with core delegation training) and provide task-specific training for each delegated task. Training includes demonstration, return demonstration, and competency verification.

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Documentation & Ongoing Oversight

We complete all required documentation including consent forms, delegation records, and care protocols. Reassessments are conducted every 90 days or as needed to ensure continued safety and compliance.

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions About Nurse Delegation

What is nurse delegation in Washington State?

Nurse delegation is a process authorized under Washington Administrative Code (WAC) 246-840 that allows a registered nurse (RN) to delegate specific nursing tasks to qualified nursing assistants and home care aides. This enables patients to receive necessary medical care, including medication administration, in community-based settings like adult family homes rather than institutional facilities. The RN remains responsible for patient outcomes and provides ongoing oversight.

Who can receive nurse delegation services?

Patients who are considered "stable and predictable" can receive nurse delegation services in community-based settings. This includes residents of adult family homes, assisted living facilities, and individuals receiving in-home care. The delegating RN must assess each patient to determine if delegation is appropriate for their specific situation and health status.

What nursing tasks can be delegated to caregivers?

Common delegated tasks include oral medication administration, topical medications, eye/ear/nasal drops, insulin injections (with special training), G-tube feedings, wound care, catheter care, and respiratory suctioning. However, injections other than insulin, sterile procedures, central line maintenance, and tasks requiring nursing judgment cannot be delegated under Washington State regulations.

How much do nurse delegation services cost in Seattle?

The cost of nurse delegation services varies based on the complexity of care needed, number of patients, and frequency of reassessments required. Initial delegation typically includes patient assessment, caregiver training, and complete documentation. We offer competitive rates and can provide a personalized quote based on your specific needs. Contact us for detailed pricing information.

How often must nurse delegation be renewed?

Per WAC 246-840 requirements, patients must be reassessed at least every 90 days. Additionally, reassessment is required whenever there are changes in the patient's condition, medications, or caregivers. This ongoing oversight ensures continued safety and compliance with state regulations while maintaining quality care standards.

What areas does Seattle Nurse Delegation serve?

Seattle Nurse Delegation serves the entire Seattle metropolitan area, including King County (Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Kent, Renton, Federal Way, Auburn, Shoreline, Bothell, Sammamish, Issaquah), Snohomish County (Everett, Lynnwood), and Pierce County (Tacoma). We travel to adult family homes, assisted living facilities, and private residences throughout these areas.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us today to learn how our nurse delegation services can support your facility or care needs. Our experienced RN delegators are ready to help you provide safe, compliant care.

Serving Greater Seattle

Our Service Areas

We provide nurse delegation services throughout the Seattle metropolitan area, including King County, Snohomish County, and Pierce County. Our RN delegators travel to your location for patient assessments, caregiver training, and ongoing oversight visits.