18VAC90-19-250. Criteria for delegation.
A. Delegation of nursing tasks and procedures shall only occur in accordance with the plan for delegation adopted by the entity responsible for client care. The delegation plan shall comply with provisions of this chapter and shall provide:
1. An assessment of the client population to be served;
2. Analysis and identification of nursing care needs and priorities;
3. Establishment of organizational standards to provide for sufficient supervision that assures safe nursing care to meet the needs of the clients in their specific settings;
4. Communication of the delegation plan to the staff;
5. Identification of the educational and training requirements for unlicensed persons and documentation of their competencies; and
6. Provision of resources for appropriate delegation in accordance with this part.
B. Delegation shall be made only if all of the following criteria are met:
1. In the judgment of the delegating nurse, the task or procedure can be properly and safely performed by the unlicensed person and the delegation does not jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of the client.
2. The delegating nurse retains responsibility and accountability for nursing care of the client, including nursing assessment, planning, evaluation, documentation, and supervision.
3. Delegated tasks and procedures are within the knowledge, area of responsibility, and skills of the delegating nurse.
4. Delegated tasks and procedures are communicated on a client-specific basis to an unlicensed person with clear, specific instructions for performance of activities, potential complications, and expected results.
5. The person to whom a nursing task has been delegated is clearly identified to the client as an unlicensed person by a name tag worn while giving client care and by personal communication by the delegating nurse when necessary.
C. Delegated tasks and procedures shall not be reassigned by unlicensed personnel.
D. Nursing tasks shall only be delegated after an assessment is performed according to the provisions of 18VAC90-19-260.
Statutory Authority
§ 54.1-2400 of the Code of Virginia.
Historical Notes
Derived from Virginia Register Volume 33, Issue 10, eff. February 24, 2017.