9513. ASSIGNMENT AND DELEGATION OF NURSING CARE TASKS TO MEDICATION AIDES

9513 ASSIGNMENT AND DELEGATION OF NURSING CARE TASKS TO MEDICATION AIDES 9513.1 An RN or LPN may assign or delegate tasks to an MA-C if the task is appropriate to the level of knowledge and skill of the MA-C and is within the scope of authorized tasks of the MA-C listed in § 9515.1. 9513.2 MA-Cs shall not practice independently but shall work under the supervision of an RN or LPN. 9513.3 The delegation or assignment of a task shall comply with the standards for delegation and assignment listed in 17 DCMR § 5415 (Registered Nurse) and delegation and assignment listed in 17 DCMR § 5515 (Licensed Practical Nurse). Nursing care tasks that may be delegated or assigned shall be determined by: (a) The knowledge and skills of the MA-C; (b) Verification of the clinical competence of the MA-C by the employing agency; (c) The stability of the client’s condition, including factors such as predictability, absence of risk of complication, and rate of change; and (d) The variables in each health care setting which include, but are not limited to: (1) The accessible resources and established policies, procedures, practices, and channels of communication that lend support to the type of nursing tasks being delegated to the MA-C; (2) The complexity and frequency of care needed by a given client population; and (3) The accessibility of a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN). 9513.4 The MA-C shall not perform a task involving the administration of drugs if: The administration of drugs requires a calculation of the dosage of the drug or the conversion of the dosage; The supervising nurse is unavailable either in person or by telephone to monitor the progress of the client and the effect of the drug on the client; The client is not stable or has changing health care needs; or (d) The MA-C has not been prepared by training to perform the delegated or assigned task. Upon such delegation or assignment, the MA-C shall immediately inform the supervising nurse of his or her inability by training to perform the delegated task. SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 66 DCR 11404 (August 23, 2019). District of Columbia Municipal Regulations Business, Occupations, and Professionals 17 DCMR § 9513