AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
2009 BH "Dear Administrator" Letters
April 15, 2009
ADSA: BH #2009-007
Update on 2008 Legislation – E2SHB 2668
NURSE DELEGATION OF INSULIN INJECTIONS
Dear Boarding Home Administrator:
In May 2008 the department sent two letters informing you about the new law Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill (E2SHB 2668). This new law involved two topics: respite care services and nurse delegation of insulin injections. I want to update you on the issue of nurse delegation of insulin injection.
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 assume general responsibility for the safety and well-being of each resident consistent with the resident’s assessed needs and negotiated service agreement (WAC 388-78A-2170).
Please contact your RCS Field Manager if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services
