The bill amends Washington state law regarding nursing delegation, specifically RCW 18.79.260, allowing registered nurses to delegate nursing tasks in any setting, contingent upon their assessment of the patient's best interest and the individual's competency. It emphasizes the responsibility of the delegating nurse to evaluate the stability of the patient and supervise the delegated tasks while prohibiting coercion into delegating tasks that could jeopardize patient safety. Additionally, the bill protects nurses from employer retaliation for refusing to delegate under unsafe conditions.

New provisions clarify the types of tasks that can be delegated, restricting registered nurses from delegating medication administration, tissue piercing, or tasks requiring significant skill, except under specified exceptions. It allows certified nursing assistants or home care aides to administer medications, including subcutaneous injections, if properly trained and delegated by a nurse. The bill also mandates the board to establish delegation parameters by July 1, 2028, and ensures nursing assistants are accountable for their actions while being immune from liability when following a nurse's delegation instructions. Furthermore, it emphasizes the necessity of training for nursing assistants and home care aides and outlines a phased implementation of the changes, with certain provisions expiring as early as June 30, 2027.

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