​WASHINGTON: Nurse Delegation Bill Proposed for 2021 Legislative Session

​Rep. Eileen Cody is proposing a bill for the 2021 legislative session to allow for more flexibility in hospitals, but it will also impact most nurse delegation settings. The HCAOA Washington Chapter lobbyist is proposing an amendment that clarifies the distinction between home care and home health agencies. The proposed language is to be placed in Section 1 (3)(d)(iv).

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(iv) Delegation of tasks in an in-home care setting may be done by a registered nurse working as an independent contractor hired by a home care agency regulated under chapter 70.127 RCW.

This issue has been a source of confusion for home care and home health agencies. Having it clearly laid out in statute will help clarify for agencies who use or want to use nurse delegation.