From a regulatory lens: a perspective on the delegation of nursing activities to unlicensed assistive personnel.
Along with the reforming of health care, nursing services and related regulatory approaches are concurrently adapting. As the health care environment changes, the number and preparation of individuals who perform health-related activities has increased dramatically. Heightened interest is expressed at both ends of the nursing care delivery spectrum, unlicensed and advanced nursing practice. Boards of nursing, the States' regulatory arm over the profession, pay particular attention to public health and safety issues attached to the delegation of nursing tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs). Equally important to the appropriate use of delegation is the provision of adequate supervision of those who are serving in the role of "delegatee." Mechanisms exist in a number of states whereby professional nurses can ascertain the level of competence of a UAP and feel assured that safe and appropriate care can be delegated. It is the role of the professional nurse to provide the required supervision, once a nursing activity is delegated. Nurse practice acts should not be used as barriers to escape required and prudent alterations to the traditional delivery of nursing care. Conversely, these same acts should not be manipulatively circumvented solely in the name of cost containment and as a needed response to "health care reform." As health care reforms, humanity would be best served with public or patient safety and protection as a guiding principle.
Roberts
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D005161:Facility Regulation and Control; D006801:Humans; D008008:Licensure, Nursing; D009728:Nursing Assistants / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009745:Nursing, Supervisory / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D009746:Nursing, Team / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D014481:United States