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Virginia Administrative Code
Title 12. Health
Agency 5. Department of Health
Chapter 391. Regulations for the Licensure of Hospice
12/2/2024

12VAC5-391-340. Nursing services.

A. All nursing services shall be provided directly or under the supervision of a registered nurse, currently licensed by the Virginia Board of Nursing, who has education and experience in the needs of the terminally ill. Duties and responsibilities of the supervising nurse shall include:

1. Assuring that nursing services delivered are provided according to established hospice program policies;

2. Assuring that nursing services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and that licensed practical nurses and home attendants work under the direct supervision of a registered nurse;

3. Participating in the development and implementation of orientation and in-service training hospice programs for all levels of nursing staff employed by the hospice program;

4. Acting as nurse liaison with staff and other agencies, hospice programs and individuals that have contractual agreements to provide nursing services;

5. Participating in quality improvement reviews and evaluations of the nursing services provided; and

6. Directing or supervising the delivery of nursing services.

B. Nursing services shall include:

1. Assessing a patient's needs and admission for service as appropriate;

2. Working with the IDG to develop a plan of care;

3. Implementing the plan of care;

4. Obtaining physician's orders when necessary;

5. Providing those services requiring substantial and specialized nursing skill;

6. Educating the patient and patient's family in the care of the patient, including pain management;

7. Evaluating the outcome of services;

8. Coordinating and communicating the patient's physical or medical condition to the IDG;

9. Preparing clinical notes; and

10. Supervising licensed practical nurses and home attendants providing delegated nursing services.

C. A registered nurse shall coordinate the implementation of each patient's plan of care.

D. If nursing duties are delegated, the hospice program shall develop and implement an organizational plan pursuant to 18VAC90-19-240 through 18VAC90-19-280.

E. Licensed practical nurses shall be currently licensed by the Virginia Board of Nursing.

F. The services provided by a licensed practical nurse may include:

1. Delivering nursing services according to the hospice program's policies and standard nursing practices;

2. Assisting the registered nurse in performing specialized procedures;

3. Assisting the patient with activities of daily living, including the teaching of self-care techniques;

4. Preparing equipment and supplies for treatment that requires adherence to sterile or aseptic techniques; and

5. Preparing clinical notes.

Statutory Authority

§§ 32.1-12 and 32.1-162.5 of the Code of Virginia.

Historical Notes

Derived from Virginia Register Volume 21, Issue 23, eff. November 1, 2005; amended, Virginia Register Volume 37, Issue 14, eff. April 15, 2021.

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