The bill amends Washington state law regarding nursing delegation, specifically addressing the roles of registered nurses and nursing assistants in delegating nursing care tasks. It clarifies that registered nurses can delegate tasks in any setting that serves the best interest of the patient and aligns with their scope of practice. The legislation emphasizes the need for evaluating the competency of individuals receiving delegated tasks and the stability of the patient. Additionally, it introduces protections for nurses against coercion or disciplinary actions when they refuse to delegate tasks that could jeopardize patient safety.

Moreover, the bill allows nursing assistants and home care aides to administer certain medications, including subcutaneous injections, provided they have received appropriate training and delegation from a registered nurse. It establishes accountability for nursing assistants and home care aides in the delegation process while protecting them from liability when adhering to written delegation instructions. The bill also clarifies the definitions and scope of home care and home health agencies, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the services provided. New provisions enable the board of nursing and the department of health to adopt necessary rules for implementation, with the changes set to take effect on January 1, 2028, ultimately aiming to improve the quality of care in community-based and in-home settings.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 18.79.260, 18.88A.210, 18.88A.230, 18.88B.070, 70.127.010
Substitute bill: 18.79.260, 18.88A.210, 18.88A.230, 18.88B.070, 70.127.010