ARSD 20:48:04.01:21 – Tracheostomy care and suctioning -- Tasks that may be delegated -- Written protocol required.

A registered nurse may only delegate the following tracheostomy care and suctioning tasks to a nursing assistant:

(1) Inspecting, cleaning, and changing the dressing for an established tracheostomy site;
(2) Changing or cleaning the inner cannula; and
(3) Suctioning the tracheostomy.
The registered nurse must develop and maintain a written protocol for a specific client on the procedures and tasks for tracheostomy care and suctioning that may be delegated to the nursing assistant.

Source: 52 SDR 24, effective September 8, 2025 .

General Authority: SDCL 36-9-21 .

Law Implemented: SDCL 36-9-3 (7)(8)(11)(13), 36-9-21 (4)(5).