Virginia Law

A. Home attendants assisting with providing skilled services may:

1. Assist clients with (i) activities of daily living, (ii) ambulation and prescribed exercise, and (iii) other special duties with appropriate training and demonstrated competency;

2. Administer normally self-administered drugs as allowed by § 54.1-3408 of the Virginia Drug Control Act (Chapter 34 (§ 54.1-3400 et seq.) of Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia);

3. Measure and record fluid intake and output;

4. Take and record blood pressure, pulse and respiration;

5. Record and report to the appropriate health care professional changes in the client's condition;

6. Document services and observations in the client's record; and

7. Perform any other duties that the attendant is qualified to do by additional training and demonstrated competency as allowed by state or federal guidelines.

B. Prior to the initial delivery of services, the home attendant shall receive specific written instructions for the client's care from the appropriate health care professional responsible for the care.

C. Home attendants shall work under the supervision of the appropriate health care professional responsible for the client's care.

D. Relevant in-service education or training for home attendants shall consist of at least 12 hours annually. In-service training may be in conjunction with on-site supervision.