216-RICR-40-05-22
216-RICR-40-05-22. Nursing Assistants, Medication Aides, and the Approval of Nursing Assistant and Medication Aide Training Programs (version Amendment, 02/19/2004 to 08/31/2004)
RULES AND REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO
RHODE ISLAND CERTIFICATES OF
REGISTRATION FOR NURSING ASSISTANTS
AND THE APPROVAL
OF NURSING ASSISTANT TRAINING PROGRAMS
(R23-17.9-NA)
STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLANTATIONS
Department of Health
August 1990 (E)
As Amended:
October 1990
August 1991 (E)
November 1991 (E)
February 1992
April 1992 (E)
August 1992 (E)
October 1992
September 1996
February 2000
November 2001
January 2002 (re-filing in accordance with
the provisions of section 42-35-4.1 of the
Rhode Island General Laws, as amended)
January 2004
i
INTRODUCTION
These rules and regulations are promulgated pursuant to the authority conferred under Chapter 23-
17.9 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, as amended, and 42 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 431 etal.
and are established for the purpose of defining the minimum standards for: (1) the training, competency
evaluation and registration of nursing assistants; and (2) and to adopt unified standards for nursing
assistants in this state to ensure safe and adequate care to individuals receiving nursing assistants' health
care services in this state.
Pursuant to the provisions of section 42-35-3(c) of the General Laws of Rhode Island, as amended,
the following issues have been given consideration in arriving at the regulations: (a) alternative approaches
to the regulations; (b) duplication or overlap with other state regulations; and (c) significant economic
impact on small business as defined in Chapter 42-35 of the General Laws, as amended, which would
result from the proposed regulations. No alternative approach, duplication or overlap was identified. The
health safety and welfare of the public overrides any economic impact which may result from these
regulations. Consequently these rules and regulations are adopted in the best interest of the health, safety
and welfare of the public.
These amended rules and regulations shall supersede any other Rules and Regulations for the
Registration of Nursing Assistants and the State Review and Approval of Nursing Assistant Training and
Competency Evaluation Programs promulgated by the Department of Health and filed with the Secretary
of State.
ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
PART I
Definitions
1
1.0
Definitions
1
PART II
Requirement For Registration
2.0
General Requirements
3
3.0
Qualifications
3
4.0
Licensure by Examination
5
5.0
Issuance and Renewal of Registration and Fee
5
6.0
Denial, Suspension, Revocation, of Registration and Disciplinary Proceedings
6
PART III
Requirements Pertaining To Nursing Assistant Training Programs
7
7.0
Application for and Approval of Nursing Assistant Training Programs
7
8.0
Denial, Suspension or Revocation of Approval and Termination of Program
10
9.0
Advisory Board
10
PART IV
Confidentiality/Violations And Sanctions/ Practices And Procedures/Severability 12
10.0
Violations and Penalties
12
11.0
Rules Governing Practices and Procedures
12
12.0
Severability
12
Appendix I
13
Appendix II
16
References
18
1
PART I
Section 1.0
Definitions
Wherever used in these rules and regulations the following terms shall be construed as follows:
1.1
"Act" refers to Chapter 23-17.9 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, as amended, entitled,
"Registration of Nursing Assistants."
1.2
"Approval" means the process whereby the Director or his/her designee evaluates and grants
official recognition to a nursing assistant training program based on the requirements herein.
1.3
“Certificate of Registration”, as used herein, has the same meaning as “license.”
1.4
“Complicated feeding”, as used herein, means the feeding of residents with complex medical
needs such as those with recurrent lung aspirations, difficulty swallowing, or those residents on
feeding tubes or parenteral/IV feedings.
1.5
“Department” means the Rhode Island Department of Health.
1.6
"Director" means the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Health or his/her designee.
1.7
"Health care facility" means any institutional health service provider, facility or institution,
place, building, agency, or portion thereof, whether a partnership or corporation, whether
public or private, whether organized for profit or not, used, operated, or engaged in providing
health care services, including but not limited to hospitals; nursing facilities; home nursing care
provider (which shall include skilled nursing services and may also include activities allowed
as a home care provider or as a nursing service agency); home care provider (which may
include services such as personal care or homemaker services); kidney disease treatment
centers; health maintenance organizations; free-standing emergency care facilities, and
facilities providing surgical treatment to patients not requiring hospitalization (surgi-centers);
hospice care, and physician ambulatory surgery centers and podiatry ambulatory surgery
centers providing surgical treatment. The term "health care facility" also includes organized
ambulatory care facilities which are not part of a hospital but which are organized and operated
to provide health care services to outpatients such as central services facilities serving more
than one health care facility or health care provider, treatment centers, diagnostic centers,
rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, infirmaries and health centers, school based health
centers and neighborhood health centers. The term "health care facility" shall not apply to
organized ambulatory care facilities owned and operated by professional service corporations
as defined in chapter 5.1 of title 7, as amended (the "Professional Service Corporation Law"),
or to a private practitioner's (physician, dentist, or other health care provider) office or group of
the practitioners' offices (whether owned and/or operated by an individual practitioner, alone or
as a member of a partnership, professional service corporation, organization, or association).
1.8
“Long term care services” means a set of health care, personal care and social services required by
persons who have lost, or never acquired, some degree of functional capacity (e.g., chronically ill,
aged, disabled) in an institution or at home on a long-term basis. The term may refer to long-term
institutional care such as that provided in nursing homes, or to ambulatory services such as home
health care, which may also be provided on a long-term basis.
2
1.9
"Nursing assistant" means a nurse's aide, orderly, or home health aide who is a paraprofessional,
and who holds a Rhode Island certificate of registration pursuant to the provisions of the Act and
the rules and regulations herein, and who is trained to give personal care and related health care
and assistance based on his or her level of preparation to individuals who are sick, disabled,
dependent, or infirm, and who are residents of or who are receiving services from health care
facilities.
1.10
"Nursing assistant examination" means an examination approved by the Director that includes a
written and practical component that tests the ability of a person to perform the skills and exercise
the judgment that is necessary to carry out the duties of a nursing assistant as defined in these
regulations.
1.11
"Nursing assistant training program" means an organized course of classroom instruction and
practical training, approved by the Director, and which has as a major goal the preparation of
individuals to function as nursing assistants and to discharge those duties commensurate with basic
preparation.
1.12
"Patient", as used herein, is synonymous with client and resident.
1.13
"Person" shall mean any individual, trust or estate, partnership, corporation (including
associations, joint stock companies), limited liability companies, state, or political subdivision
or instrumentality of a state.
1.14
"Supervision" means the provision or exercise of control and direction over the services of the
nursing assistant under the direction of a registered nurse or physician licensed in this state or other
appropriate health professionals duly licensed, registered and/or certified as may be required by the
laws of this state.
1.14.1 "Direct supervision" means supervision provided by the supervisor who is and remains on
the premises, in the building, while the nursing assistant duties are being performed and
evaluates the performance of the nursing assistant.
1.14.2 "Indirect supervision" means supervision provided by the supervisor who does not need
to be on the premises while the nursing assistant duties are being performed, but who is
responsible for the assignment of duties and evaluation of the performance of the nursing
assistant.
3
Section 2.0
General Requirements
2.1
No person shall be employed in this state as a nursing assistant unless he/she holds a certificate of
registration as a nursing assistant in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the rules and
regulations herein.
2.2
No person shall assume the title of “nursing assistant” or such similar title or use any
abbreviations or any other words, letters, signs, figures or devices to indicate that the individual
using same is a nursing assistant as set forth in these regulations, unless he/she holds a
certificate of registration as a nursing assistant in this state. The only abbreviation that a nursing
assistant may use in this state is limited to "N.A."
2.3
All health care providers licensed by this state to provide health care services and all health
care facilities licensed under Chapter 23-17 of the Rhode Island General Laws, as amended,
shall assess patient pain in accordance with the requirements of the Rules and Regulations
Related to Pain Assessment (R5-37.6-PAIN) of reference 7 herein.
Supervision
2.4
Nursing assistants shall be supervised by professional (registered nurses) and other appropriate
professional members of a health care facility or physician. The type of supervision, either direct or
indirect, shall be determined by the health care facility based on the qualifications and
demonstrated competencies of the individual nursing assistant. Provided, however, those duties
listed in Appendix I-C shall be discharged only under direct supervision of the registered nurse.
Exemptions
2.5
Notwithstanding any provision of section 23-17.9-2 of the Rhode Island General Laws, as
amended, the definition of “nursing assistant” shall not apply to those persons designated solely as
personal care attendants, or programs established and administered for the purpose of providing
personal care attendant service, established by Chapter 40-8.1 entitled, "Personal Care Attendant
Program."
2.6
Furthermore, no provision of the Act shall apply to those persons who are actively matriculating in
a bachelor's of science in nursing, associate degree program in nursing, an accredited licensed
practical nursing program or registered nurse course of study in a National League for Nursing
accredited nursing program provided those persons have completed a minimum of two (2) clinical
courses and provided those individuals are supervised by a registered nurse.
Section 3.0
Qualifications for Registration for a State Certificate of Registration
3.1
An applicant seeking a certificate of registration as a nursing assistant shall:
a)
be of good moral character; and
b)
have successfully completed a Department-approved nursing assistant training program or
be actively matriculating in a nursing program and have completed a minimum of two (2)
clinical courses; and
4
c)
have successfully completed the required nursing assistant examination.
OR
d)
possess a current registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical nurse (LPN) license.
Application For Registration
3.2
Application for a Rhode Island certificate of registration as a nursing assistant shall be made on
forms provided by the Department. Said forms shall be completed and notarized.
3.3
Such application shall be accompanied by the following:
a)
an original or copy of birth certificate notarized that it is a true, accurate copy of the
original or proof of lawful entry into the United States;
b)
one (1) unmounted passport-type photograph of the applicant (head and shoulder view)
approximately 2x3 inches in size;
c)
documented evidence of completion of a Department-approved nursing assistant training
program;
d)
documented evidence of successful completion of the required nursing assistant
examination;
e)
the non-refundable processing fee of twenty-five dollars ($25.00) made payable by
certified check or money order to the General Treasurer, state of Rhode Island; personal
checks shall not be accepted.
If the nursing assistant is currently employed by a health care facility at the time
of application and has been continuously employed by the same facility for six
(6) months after the application, then the processing fee shall be directly
refunded to the applicant by the facility or agency.
f)
submission of examination fees, as follows:
Written component of examination ……$20.00
Clinical component of examination …… $35.00
The examination fee(s) shall be paid by the individual applicant only in the
following circumstances: If the applicant is unemployed as a nursing assistant; is
an individual with training equivalent to nursing assistant training; or is otherwise
qualified to test as determined by the Department.
If the nursing assistant is currently employed by a health care facility at the time of
application and has been continuously employed by the same facility for six (6)
months after the application, then the testing fee paid by the individual applicant
shall be directly refunded on a pro rata basis between months six (6) and twelve
(12) to the applicant by the facility or agency, provided that a Department
application receipt is presented to the facility/agency by the applicant within one
5
(1) year of the date on the receipt.
Section 4.0
Licensure by Examination
4.1
The nursing assistant written and practical examinations shall be selected and approved by the
Director or his/her designee.
4.2
All applicants shall be required to successfully complete the nursing assistant examinations within
a period of one (1) year from the date that the applicant began the nursing assistant training
program. Otherwise, the nursing assistant applicant shall be required to complete the nursing
assistant training program again.
4.3
Nursing assistant applicants shall be given three (3) opportunities to successfully complete both the
written and practical components of the nursing assistant examinations. After three (3)
unsuccessful attempts to complete the nursing assistant examinations, the nursing assistant shall be
required to repeat the nursing assistant training program.
4.4
Individuals hired to work as nursing assistants shall complete the basic nursing assistant training
program, and any required nursing assistant examinations, no later than one hundred twenty (120)
days from the employee's effective date of employment, and shall be duly registered with the
Department. Individuals who change employment prior to completion of the training program
within one hundred twenty (120) days from the date of employment, will not be allowed additional
time for completion of the training program without prior approval of the Director.
If the applicant is actively matriculating in a nursing program and has completed a minimum of
two (2) clinical courses, upon application and payment of fees to test, he/she may work with a
temporary permit for one hundred twenty (120) days from the date on the temporary permit.
Section 5.0
Issuance and Renewal of Registration and Fee
5.1
The Department shall issue to applicants who have satisfactorily met the registration requirements
herein a registration as a nursing assistant in this state. Said registration, unless sooner suspended
or revoked, shall expire biennially (every two (2) years) on the thirtieth (30th) day of June of every
other year following the date of issuance of the original registration.
5.2
On or before the first day of May of every year, the Department shall mail an application for
renewal of registration to every individual who is to renew that year. Every nursing assistant so
registered who is to renew his or her registration shall file with the Department such renewal
application together with the renewal fee of twenty four dollars ($24.00) made payable by certified
check or money order to the General Treasurer, State of Rhode Island, before the fifteenth (15th)
day of June.
5.3
Upon receipt of such renewal application and payment of said fee, the Department shall grant a
renewal registration effective the first (1st) day of July, and expiring on the thirtieth (30th) day of
June two (2) years later unless the registration is sooner suspended or revoked.
5.4
Any nursing assistant who allows his/her registration to lapse for less than two (2) years by failing
to renew it, may be reinstated by the Department upon submission of an application and payment
of the renewal fee of twenty-four dollars ($24.00) unless the registration has been suspended or
revoked.
6
5.4.1 An applicant seeking renewal shall have been employed as a nursing assistant for at
least eight (8) hours within the prior twenty-four (24) months; or have completed a
nursing assistant training and testing program within the past twenty-four (24) months.
5.4.2
An applicant seeking renewal shall have been employed as a nursing assistant in a
Rhode Island-licensed health care facility licensed under the provisions of Chapter 23-
17 of the Rhode Island General Laws, as amended. Private duty employment shall not
meet this obligation for renewal of a certificate of registration as a nursing assistant.
5.4.3
Any nursing assistant who allows his/her registration to lapse for a period of two (2) years
or longer shall be required to successfully complete the nursing assistant training program,
and all required examinations, prior to being reinstated as a nursing assistant.
5.5
An applicant seeking renewal shall have his/her employment verified by the employer on the
renewal form provided by the Department.
Section 6.0
Denial, Revocation or Suspension of Registration/Disciplinary Proceedings
6.1
Pursuant to the statutory provisions of sections 23-17.9-8 and 23-17.9-9 of the Rhode Island
General Laws, as amended, the Department may deny, suspend or revoke any registration issued
hereunder or may reprimand, censure or otherwise discipline an individual who has been found
guilty of violations of the Act or the rules and regulations herein, in accordance with section 23-
17.9-8 of the Rhode Island General Laws, as amended, and upon decision and after hearing as
provided pursuant to section 11.0 herein in any of the following cases:
a)
upon proof that such nursing assistant is unfit or incompetent by reason of negligence,
habits or other causes;
b)
upon proof that such nursing assistant has violated any of the provisions of the Act or the
rules and regulations herein; or acted in a manner inconsistent with the health and safety of
the patients of the agency/home in which he or she is providing nursing assistant services;
c)
upon proof that such nursing assistant has been convicted in a court of competent
jurisdiction, either within or without this state, of a felony;
d)
upon proof that the nursing assistant has otherwise violated the provisions of the Act;
e)
has engaged in conduct detrimental to the health, welfare, and safety of patients/residents in
his/her care.
6.2
All hearings and reviews as may be required herein shall be conducted in accordance with the
provisions of the Administrative Procedures Act and the Rules and Regulations of the Rhode
Island Department of Health Regarding Practices and Procedures Before the Department of
Health and Access to Public Records of the Department of Health (R42-35-PP) of reference 4
herein.
7
PART II
Section 7.0 Application for and Approval of Training for Nursing Assistant Training Programs
7.1
Approval of a nursing assistant training program shall be granted for two (2) years, if the program
is found to meet the requirements herein, and such approval may be renewed biennially unless
approval has been sooner revoked or suspended.
7.2
Any person desiring to conduct a nursing assistant training program for the preparation of
individuals to provide nursing assistant services shall apply to the Department for approval by
submitting a completed application on forms provided by the Department accompanied by
documentation pertaining to no less than the following:
a)
evidence of support and fiscal administration accountability;
b)
sources and locations of potential students, faculty, classrooms, conference rooms, clinical
laboratory for practical experience and other resources;
c)
names and qualifications of instructors;
d)
copy of the curriculum including provisions for the practical experience;
e)
written statements of purpose, philosophy and objectives;
f)
organization with clearly defined authorities and responsibilities and a chart showing the
relationships and channels of communication of the program to other agencies, programs,
etc.;
g)
practical experiences related to areas of instruction of the didactic segment of the program;
and
h)
written policies and procedures pertaining to the nursing assistant training program.
7.3
The application fee for a nursing assistant training program certification shall be one hundred
eighty-seven dollars and fifty cents ($187.50). Any nursing assistant training program within a
facility administered and operated by the state of Rhode Island shall be exempt from this fee.
Standards for Training Program Approval
7.4
The nursing assistant training program shall consist of no less than one hundred (100) clock hours
including no less than twenty (20) hours of practical training integrated with the classroom topics
and under supervision in accordance with the provisions of section 1.14 herein.
7.5
A nursing assistant training program conducted in a health care facility shall be completed within
ninety (90) days.
7.6
The course of instruction shall be designed to prepare students to perform all the nursing assistant
duties listed in Appendix I herein. At least sixteen (16) hours of classroom instruction shall be
required prior to a trainee's direct involvement with patients. Such instruction shall be consistent
8
with the curriculum outline of Appendix II herein.
Personnel
Program Coordinator
7.7
Each nursing assistant training program shall have a coordinator who shall be responsible for the
management of the instructional and practical portions of the program. The program coordinator
must be a registered nurse with a minimum of two (2) years of nursing experience, one (1) of
which must be in the provision of long term care services; and must have documented evidence of
teaching and/or appropriate supervisory experience. Directors of nursing in nursing facilities are
prohibited from performing actual training, but may supervise clinical training.
Instructors
7.8
Competent resource personnel from various areas of the health field may participate as program
instructors at the discretion of the program coordinator. Such personnel may include: licensed
registered nurses (RNs)/practical nurses (LPNs) with one (1) year of nursing experience, dietitians;
pharmacists; or physical therapists. Instructors shall have completed a course in teaching adults or
have experience in teaching adults, or supervising nursing assistants, and shall have at least one (1)
year of experience in their respective fields.
Policies and Procedures
7.9
Each nursing assistant training program shall have available for students written policies pertaining
to no less than the following:
a)
admission, re-admission, retention, dismissal and course completion requirements;
b)
the identification of the resource facilities for the practical experience in a long-term care or
appropriate acute care facility;
c)
the supervision requirement of nursing assistants in all settings in accordance with section
1.14 herein; and
d)
such other provisions as may be deemed appropriate.
Resources and Facilities
7.10
Each nursing assistant training program shall have adequate resources/facilities consistent with the
philosophy, purposes, objectives and policies of the nursing assistant program. Such
resources/facilities shall include no less than:
a)
classroom, offices, and conference rooms accessible to and adequate for the number of
students;
b)
sufficient instructional materials to meet the needs of students and instructor, including
clinical supplies;
9
c)
furnishings of appropriate size and numbers as may be required for the instructional
program and for the number of students;
d)
an adequate number of service resources to provide the kinds of practical learning
experiences as required to meet the curriculum objectives;
e)
adequate financial support to implement and operate the nursing assistant program;
f)
compliance with all applicable licensing laws and regulatory requirements.
Curriculum
7.11
The objectives of the nursing assistant training program shall be consistent with the curriculum
outline of Appendix II herein and shall promote the provision of quality health care services by
nursing assistants who are able to perform competently the duties listed in Appendix I herein.
Evaluation of Curriculum
7.12
A systematic plan for on-going evaluation of the curriculum shall be established and include
evaluation provisions pertaining to no less than:
a)
the implementation of the curriculum design;
b)
the relationship of the curriculum to current needs of patients in health care facilities and
current standards of practice;
c)
revisions and/or modifications of curriculum as may be necessary based on evaluation
data and/or other federal and state requirements.
Examinations
7.13
A written examination shall be administered that tests the knowledge and competency of a person
to carry out the duties of a nursing assistant as defined in these regulations.
7.14
The nursing assistant program shall determine a person’s skill, knowledge levels, and competency
through a manual skills (practical) examination. Such examination shall test no less than the
following:
communication and interpersonal skills;
infection control;
safety emergency procedures;
promotion of patients' independence;
respecting patients' rights;
basic nursing skills;
10
mental health/social service needs;
care of cognitively impaired patients;
basic restorative services.
7.15
In addition, the nursing assistant program shall test specific manual skills as set forth in Appendix
I. Where appropriate, skills demonstration shall be performed on a real patient, or "pseudo-
patient", but shall not be performed on a mannequin.
Section 8.0
Denial or Revocation of Approval/Termination of Program
8.1
If the Department determines that an approved nursing assistant training program does not meet the
requirements herein, the Department shall notify, in writing, the institution and/or agency or such
other training program of a proposed pending action to deny or revoke the approval of the program
and the institution and/or agency shall be given an opportunity for a prompt and fair hearing in
accordance with the provisions of section 11.0 herein.
8.2
Any nursing assistant training program that terminates, for whatever reason, shall make provisions
for the appropriate storage of its students' records to ensure future accessibility to the training
program data for a minimum of five (5) years after the date of termination.
8.2.1
Provisions shall be made for the completion of the nursing assistant training program for
any individual who has begun a program, if, for whatever reason, the training program
terminates.
Section 9.0
Advisory Board
9.1
Within the Department there shall be established an Advisory Board which shall meet at least once
a year and shall consist of eleven (11) members, four (4) of whom shall be registered nurses, three
(3) of whom shall be nursing assistants, two (2) of whom shall be administrators of health care
facilities, one (1) of whom shall be a public member, and one (1) of whom shall be a licensed
practical nurse. All Board members shall be currently licensed in Rhode Island, where required,
and shall be actively working in his/her profession.
9.2
Members of the Advisory Board shall be appointed by the Director: three (3) to serve for one (1)
year; four (4) to serve for two (2) years; and four (4) to serve for three (3) years. No member shall
be appointed for more than two (2) consecutive full terms. A member appointed for less than a full
term (originally, or to fill a vacancy) may serve two (2) full terms in addition to that part of a full
term, and a former member shall again be eligible for appointment after a period of one (1) or more
years passes.
9.3
Successors to members of the Advisory Board whose terms expire shall be appointed in such year
by the Director to hold office for three (3) years or until their respective successors are appointed.
9.4
The Director may remove any member of the Advisory Board for neglect of duty or incompetency
and may fill vacancies that occur for any purpose for the remainder of the unexpired term.
11
Functions of the Advisory Board
9.5
The Advisory Board shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Director in matters pertaining to the
registration of nursing assistants and the practice of nursing assistants. The Advisory Board shall
advise the Director on such matters as policies affecting examination, qualifications, issuance and
renewal, denial or revocation of licenses, and the development of rules and regulations.
12
Section 10.0
Violations and Penalties
10.1
Any person who violates the statutory or regulatory provisions herein shall be subject to the
disciplinary provisions herein. Section 23-17.9-9 of the Act provides that it shall be a
misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) and/or
imprisonment for not more than one (1) year for any person who:
a)
obtains his or her certification or registration by means of fraud, misrepresentation, or
concealment of material facts;
b)
practices as a nursing assistant under cover of any certification or registration illegally or
fraudulently obtained or unlawfully issued; or
c)
practices as a nursing assistant without registration and/or practices during the time his or
her certification or registration issued under the provisions of the Act and the regulations
herein is suspended or revoked; or
d)
otherwise violates any of the provisions of the Act.
Section 11.0
Rules Governing Practices and Procedures
11.1
All hearings and reviews required under the provisions of Chapters 23-17.9 and 42-35 of the
General Laws of Rhode Island, as amended, shall be held in accordance with the provisions of the
rules and regulations of reference 4.
Section 12.0
Severability
12.1
If any provisions of these rules and regulations or the application to any individual or institution or
agency or circumstances shall be held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect the provisions or the
application of the regulations which can be given effect, and to this end the provisions of the
regulations are declared to be severable.
13
APPENDIX I
A)
DUTIES OF NURSING ASSISTANTS
A nursing assistant duly registered in this state may discharge the following duties under
supervision as described herein.
Personal Care Skills
Assist with complicated feeding, hydration
Bed bath, tub bath, shower
Care of skin and back
Foot care, foot soak, applying foot lotion
Nail care
Oral hygiene
Shampoo hair (sink, tub, bed) comb/brush
Shave
Basic Nursing Skills
Application of dry heat and cold packs to intact skin
Sitz bath to intact skin for comfort measures and pain relief only
Application of topical over-the-counter (OTC) drugs to intact skin
Apply lamb's wool
Apply elastic stockings
Care of patients on precautions
Make an occupied, unoccupied bed
Measure intake and output
Reinforce simple non-sterile dressings
Remind patient to take medication
Care for a patient when death is imminent
Post-mortem care
Specimen collection
Apply texas catheter
Empty catheter bag, commode, urinal
Assist with ostomy appliance
Assist with commode, toilet, bedpans and urinals
Change drainage bag
Assist with bowel/bladder retraining
Report and record weight and height
Take and record vital signs (temperature, pulse, and respiration (TPR) and blood pressure)
Rehabilitation Skills
Ambulate
Encourage self-help
Positioning
Normal range of motion
Restraining and use of appropriate alternatives
Transfer from bed, wheel chair, chair, commode
Transfer using Hoyer lift
Use of assistive devices in ambulation, eating and dressing
14
Environment
Care of patient environment
Handling of blood/body fluid spills
Clean patient care area
Do basic domestic chores (e.g., laundry, ironing, dishes, food
preparation, where appropriate)
Recognition of and Reporting Signs and Symptoms
Infection
redness
swelling
fever
chills
drainage
Respiratory Problems
shortness of breath
rapid respirations
Cheyne-Stokes respirations
cough
Cardiac Problems
chest pains
cyanosis lips/nails
rapid pulse
GI/GU problems
abdominal pain
nausea
vomiting
blood: urine/stool
difficulty urinating
diarrhea
Endocrine problems
drowsiness
thirst
sweating
B)
EXCLUDED FROM THE DUTIES OF A NURSING ASSISTANT:
A nursing assistant shall not perform functions that otherwise require a license, certification or
registration by state law and shall not perform the following duties that include but are not
limited to:
Sterile dressing application
Gastric lavage or gavage
Injections
Cutting toenails or fingernails for diabetic
Vaginal Irrigations
Cutting toenails
Giving advice on medical/nursing matters
Any treatment to non-intact skin
Changing a Foley catheter
15
Tracheostomy tube care
Medications: may only remind patient to take medication, unless he or she has completed a state
approved training course in drug administration, but then shall not administer drugs or biologicals
under any circumstances in an acute care setting, and shall not administer any Schedule II
controlled substances.
C)
DUTIES WHICH A NURSING ASSISTANT MAY PERFORM UNDER DIRECT
SUPERVISION:
Enema
Colostomy irrigation
Application of hot packs using moist heat device or heat lamp
In addition, nursing assistants may be assigned nursing duties beyond those listed in Parts A and C
above (but in no case may they may be assigned any of the duties excluded in Part B), so long as
those duties are clearly delineated in facility policies. Documented evidence of training and
competency evaluation for each additional duty permitted to be discharged shall be filed in the
individual's personnel file.
16
APPENDIX II
CURRICULUM OUTLINE BASIC NURSING ASSISTANT TRAINING PROGRAM
(80 classroom hours)
(20 hours of practical experience)
PART I
BEING A NURSING ASSISTANT - INTRODUCTION
Function of the nursing assistant
„
in health care institutions
„
in the home
Working with the health care team
Ethical responsibilities
„
accountability
„
confidentiality
Policies and procedures
State rules and regulations related to the registration of nursing assistants
Communication and interpersonal skills
Infection control
Safety/emergency procedures
Promoting patients' independence
Respecting patients' rights
PART II
BASIC HUMAN NEEDS
Patients as human beings
„
Physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health needs of patients throughout the
life cycle
„
Modifying the nursing assistant's behavior in response to patient's behavior
„
Identifying developmental tasks associated with the life cycle
„
Behavior management (reinforcement, reduction, elimination of behaviors)
„
Allowing maximum independence in relation to patient's ability
Working with the patient's family
PART III
CARING FOR PATIENTS
Admission and discharge procedures
Personal care skills
„
To include instruction relative to all those personal care duties outlined in
Appendix I, which a nursing assistant may discharge under supervision.
Basic nursing skills
„
Taking and recording vital signs
„
Measuring and recording vital signs
„
Caring for patient's environment
„
Observing, reporting and documenting abnormal signs and symptoms of common
diseases
„
Caring for patients when death is imminent
„
Specimen collection (urine, stool, sputum)
„
Heimlich maneuver
Basic Nutrition
„
Food and nutrition
„
Fluid balance
intake and output
17
maintaining proper hydration
PART IV
BASIC RESTORATIVE SERVICES
Rehabilitation
„
Basic body mechanics
„
Anatomy/physiology
Training the patient in self-care, according to ability
Use of assistive devices in transferring, ambulation, eating and dressing
Maintenance of range of motion
Proper turning and positioning in bed and chair
Bowel and bladder training
Care and use of prosthetic and orthotic devices
PART V
CARE OF PATIENTS WITH SPECIFIC PROBLEMS
The patient with cognitive impairment
„
Techniques for addressing the unique needs and behaviors of individuals with dementia
(Alzheimer's disease and others)
„
Communicating with patients
„
Understanding behavior
„
Appropriate responses to behavior
„
Methods for reducing the effects of cognitive impairment
Care of patients with diseases of other body systems
„
Circulatory problems
„
Respiratory problems
„
Digestive system problems
„
Bowel and bladder problems
„
Musculoskeletal problems
„
Neurological problems
„
Endocrine problems
„
Skin problems
PART VI
PATIENT'S RIGHTS
Privacy/confidentiality
The right to personal choices
Giving assistance in resolving grievances and disputes
Maximizing participation in resident and family groups
Maintaining care and security of personal possessions/property
Providing care which maintains the patient free from abuse
Reporting abuse, mistreatment and neglect
The use of restraints; avoiding the use of restraints
PART VII
PRACTICAL TRAINING
Each student must satisfactorily complete twenty (20) hours of practical training under supervision and
such practical experience shall be provided in a clinical setting for the practical application of nursing
assistant duties as outlined in Appendix I.
The practical training must be integrated with the didactic portion of the curriculum for a meaningful
learning experience.
REFERENCES
18
1.
"Registration of Nursing Assistants", Chapter 23-17.9 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, as
amended.
2.
"Licensing of Health Care Facilities", Chapter 23-17 of the General Laws of Rhode Island, as
amended.
3.
"Confidentiality of Health Care Information Act," Chapter 5-37.3 of the General Laws of Rhode
Island, as amended.
4.
Rules and Regulations of the Rhode Island Department of Health Regarding Practices and
Procedures Before the Department of Health and Access to Public Records of the Department of
Health (R42-35-PP), Rhode Island Department of Health, March 2003 and subsequent
amendments thereto.
5.
Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) 1987, Federal Register, Public Law 100-203,
enacted 1987, and updates in 1989, 1990, 1991.
6.
Chapter 16-40 of the General Laws, entitled "Proprietary Schools."
7.
Rules and Regulations Related to Pain Assessment (R5-37.6-PAIN), Rhode Island Department
of Health, May 2003 and subsequent amendments thereto.
Wednesday, January 07, 2004
nursing assistants-final regs-jan04.doc