During the pandemic, the Nursing Commission extended timelines for certain nurse delegation tasks, including:
- Supervision to occur at least every 90 days was changed to 120 days.
- Weekly supervision for the first four weeks of delegated insulin injections was relaxed.
In September, these rules returned to pre-pandemic timelines; currently all nurse delegation supervisory visits must be completed at least every 90 days, and initial insulin delegation for a resident must include weekly visits for the first four weeks.
The reason for the change is that RCW 18.79.260 has these timelines in statute and can’t be altered by rule. A bill before the Legislature (SHB 1124) would change RCW 18.79.260 to give the Nursing Commission the authority to write rules on this subject but didn’t pass in the 2021 Legislature. The bill is before the Legislature and could still pass.
If the Nursing Commission receives any complaints on this issue, they will be assessed for all information and context, including the pressures of the pandemic and ability to meet timelines.
Another pandemic-related allowance for nurse delegation focuses on nursing assistants registered (NARs) with proper nurse delegation training certificates performing delegated tasks without first demonstrating completion of basic training. This allowance is still in effect per Senate Concurrent Resolution 8402 and will continue until the state of emergency expires. DOH is working concurrently with DSHS to align long term care worker training and certification timelines to ensure residents can continue receiving delegated tasks by qualified individuals without lapse in service. RN delegators can continue delegating to NARs without needing proof of the employee’s completion of basic training.
If you have questions about nurse delegation, please contact Vicki McNealley via email or by phone at 1-800-562-6170 extension 107.
