Which act governs nurse delegation in Washington State?

The Washington Nurse Practice Act is the legislation that specifically governs nurse delegation in Washington State. This act establishes the scope and standards of nursing practice, ensuring that registered nurses can delegate certain tasks to nursing assistants and other healthcare workers in a safe and regulated manner. Under this act, guidelines are set for the delegation process, ensuring that it aligns with legal, ethical, and professional standards.

This act focuses on protecting public safety by ensuring that only qualified individuals perform specific tasks, thereby enhancing the quality of care provided to patients. It outlines the responsibilities of registered nurses in assessing the appropriateness of delegation, monitoring the performance of those to whom tasks have been delegated, and ensuring proper training and competence levels are met.

The other options, while relevant to aspects of healthcare and caregiving in Washington State, do not specifically address the delegation of nursing tasks. For instance, while the Washington Health Care Act may cover broader healthcare policies, and the Washington Medical Assistance Act pertains to funding and services for medical assistance programs, neither focuses directly on the delegation framework for nursing. The Washington Caregiver Licensing Act is also concerned with regulations surrounding caregivers but does not govern nurse delegation specifically.