AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

2009 AFH "Dear Provider" Letters

April 15, 2009

ADSA:  AFH #2009-004
Update on 2008 Legislation – E2SHB 2668
NURSE DELEGATION OF INSULIN INJECTIONS

Dear Adult Family Home Provider:

In a letter dated May 21, 2008 the department informed you about the new law on nurse delegation of insulin injections.  I want to update you on this issue.

Diabetic tasks that do not require nurse delegation:

Caregivers may (after you make certain the caregiver can do these tasks safely):

• Set up diabetic insulin devices; and
• Verbally verify insulin dosage for sight- impaired residents.

Diabetic tasks that do require nurse delegation:

A registered nurse may delegate insulin injections to a caregiver only if the caregiver:

• Meets the education and registration/certification requirements necessary for nurse delegation;  and
• Receives a certificate for a 3-hour department developed training called “Nurse Delegation:  Special Focus on Diabetes.” 

You can find more information about this training at the following website:  http://www.adsa.dshs.wa.gov/Professional/training/nurseassistant/

Please remember that you must still ensure each resident receives the care and services identified by the assessment and in the negotiated care plan (WAC 388-76-10400). 

Please contact your RCS Field Manager if you have any questions. 

Sincerely,

Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services