EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS & GUIDES
Nurse Delegation Resources
Comprehensive educational resources to help you understand nurse delegation regulations, training requirements, and best practices in Washington State.
Access comprehensive educational resources to help you understand nurse delegation in Washington State. From WAC regulations to frequently asked questions, we provide the information you need to ensure compliant, quality care in your facility or home care setting.
Understanding Nurse Delegation in Washington
Nurse delegation is a critical component of community-based care in Washington State. Under WAC Chapter 246-840, registered nurses can delegate specific nursing tasks to qualified nursing assistants and home care aides, enabling patients to receive necessary medical care in adult family homes, assisted living facilities, and private residences.
Understanding the regulatory framework, training requirements, and best practices for nurse delegation is essential for:
- Adult Family Home Providers: Ensuring compliance during state surveys and providing quality care to residents with medication needs
- Assisted Living Facility Operators: Managing medication administration programs with proper RN oversight
- Home Care Agencies: Expanding service capabilities while maintaining regulatory compliance
- Caregivers: Understanding their responsibilities when receiving delegated nursing tasks
- Families: Making informed decisions about care settings for loved ones
The Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission oversees nursing practice in Washington State, including the nurse delegation framework. Their website provides official guidance and regulatory updates.
Why These Resources Matter
Proper understanding of nurse delegation requirements protects everyone involved in the care process:
- Patients: Receive safe, appropriate care from trained caregivers with proper RN oversight
- Caregivers: Understand exactly what they can and cannot do, reducing liability and stress
- Facilities: Maintain compliance with state regulations and avoid survey deficiencies
- RN Delegators: Follow established protocols for safe, effective delegation
According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), clear understanding of delegation principles is essential for patient safety and quality care outcomes.
Staying Current
Healthcare regulations evolve, and staying current with requirements is essential. We regularly update these resources to reflect the latest guidance from the Washington State Nursing Commission and DSHS. However, always verify current requirements with official sources before making compliance decisions.
WAC Regulations Guide
Comprehensive guide to understanding Washington Administrative Code 246-840-910 through 246-840-970—the rules governing nurse delegation in community-based and in-home care settings. Plain-language explanations of complex regulatory requirements.
Learn More →Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about nurse delegation, including who can delegate, what can be delegated, training requirements, and how the process works. Organized by topic for easy reference.
View FAQs →Official State Resources
Access official Washington State resources for nurse delegation, facility licensing, and caregiver training.
Washington State Nursing Commission
The Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission is the regulatory body overseeing nursing practice in Washington State. Key resources include:
- Nurse Delegation Guidance - Official delegation guidelines and interpretations
- Nursing Practice Regulations - Complete nursing practice requirements
- License Verification - Verify nursing licenses online
DSHS Aging and Long-Term Support
The Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA) oversees adult family homes and assisted living facilities. Resources include:
- Adult Family Home Information - Licensing and operational requirements
- Caregiver Training - Approved training providers and requirements
- Assisted Living Information - ALF licensing and requirements
Washington Administrative Code
The official legal text governing nurse delegation is found in WAC Chapter 246-840. Key sections include:
- WAC 246-840-910 - Purpose and scope
- WAC 246-840-920 - Definitions
- WAC 246-840-930 - Criteria for delegation
- WAC 246-840-940 - Nursing task delegation
- WAC 246-840-970 - Accountability
Department of Health
The Washington State Department of Health provides healthcare licensing and credentialing services:
- Healthcare provider license verification
- Facility licensing information
- Public health resources and guidance
Training and Education Resources
Caregivers and nurses need ongoing education to maintain competency in nurse delegation.
Caregiver Training Requirements
Before receiving nurse delegation, caregivers must complete specific training:
Core Delegation Training
All caregivers (NA-R, NA-C, HCA) must complete Core Delegation Training through a DSHS-approved provider before receiving any delegation. This training covers:
- Legal framework for nurse delegation in Washington State
- Scope and limitations of delegation
- Communication requirements with the delegating RN
- Documentation responsibilities
- When to refuse delegation or contact the RN
Special Focus on Diabetes
Caregivers who will administer insulin must complete additional diabetes-focused training covering:
- Diabetes disease process and types
- Blood glucose monitoring procedures
- Insulin types, storage, and administration
- Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia recognition
- Emergency response procedures
National Resources
These national organizations provide valuable educational resources for healthcare professionals involved in delegation:
National Council of State Boards of Nursing
The NCSBN provides national guidance on nursing delegation, including:
- National Guidelines for Nursing Delegation
- Decision trees for delegation
- Continuing education resources
American Nurses Association
The ANA provides professional nursing resources including:
- Position statements on delegation
- Professional practice standards
- Continuing education opportunities
American Diabetes Association
For insulin delegation, the ADA provides:
- Diabetes management standards of care
- Patient and caregiver education materials
- Professional resources for healthcare providers
Industry Associations
Connect with industry associations serving care providers in Washington State.
Adult Family Home Council
The Washington State Adult Family Home Council provides advocacy, education, and support for adult family home providers throughout the state. Members benefit from regulatory updates, training opportunities, and networking.
LeadingAge Washington
LeadingAge Washington represents nonprofit aging services providers, including assisted living facilities. The organization provides advocacy, education, and resources for member organizations.
Washington Health Care Association
WHCA represents long-term care providers throughout Washington State, offering regulatory guidance, educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of providers and the residents they serve.
Washington State Nurses Association
WSNA represents registered nurses throughout Washington State, providing professional resources, advocacy, and continuing education opportunities for nursing professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Resources
Where can I find the official WAC regulations for nurse delegation?
The official Washington Administrative Code (WAC) regulations governing nurse delegation are found in WAC Chapter 246-840, Sections 910 through 970. You can access the full legal text on the Washington State Legislature website. Our WAC Regulations page provides a plain-language summary of these requirements to help you understand the key provisions.
Where can caregivers get core delegation training?
Core delegation training must be completed through a DSHS-approved training provider. You can find a list of approved providers through the DSHS Training website. Training is available both in-person and online through various approved providers throughout Washington State. Training typically takes several hours and must be completed before a caregiver can receive any delegation.
What resources are available for adult family home providers?
Adult family home providers can access numerous resources through DSHS Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ALTSA), the Washington State Adult Family Home Council, and the Washington State Department of Health. Our resources section provides guides specific to nurse delegation requirements for AFHs, including documentation requirements and compliance tips.
How do I verify a nurse's license in Washington State?
You can verify any Washington State nursing license through the Department of Health Provider Credential Search. Enter the nurse's name or license number to verify their current license status, expiration date, and any restrictions or disciplinary actions. We encourage all facilities to verify credentials before engaging any RN delegator's services.
Are there resources specifically for insulin delegation?
Yes, insulin delegation requires additional Special Focus on Diabetes training for caregivers. Resources are available through DSHS-approved diabetes training providers and organizations like the American Diabetes Association. Our FAQ section includes detailed information about insulin delegation requirements, including training prerequisites, documentation, and ongoing monitoring requirements.
Where can I learn about updates to nurse delegation regulations?
Regulatory updates are published by the Washington State Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission. You can subscribe to their email updates or check their website periodically for announcements. DSHS ALTSA also publishes updates relevant to adult family homes and assisted living facilities that may affect nurse delegation requirements.
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