AGING & DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION
Nurse Delegation - What Can and Can’t Be Delegated
What tasks a non-nurse can and can’t do are governed by rules written into law. A brief summary is included below. For more detailed information, read the state rules in the Washington Administration Code 246-840-910 through 970.
What Can Be Delegated
A non-nurse may give you prescription medications as ordered. If you have a long-standing health problem, such as diabetes, he or she can test your blood sugar levels. Other health care tasks could include special bowel programs, tube feedings, bladder emptying, or simple wound care.
What Can’t Be Delegated
The nurse may never delegate injectible medications, procedures that are considered sterile, or tasks that require nursing judgment.
