1. (1) Nursing services provided through a home health agency shall be conducted under the supervision of a director of nursing services.
2. (2) Nursing services shall be provided by or under the supervision of a registered nurse and according to the plan of care.
3. (3) When a licensee provides or contracts for services, the service shall be provided according to the plan of care and supervised by designated, qualified personnel.
4. (4) The nursing staff of the home health agency shall observe, report and record written clinical notes.
5. (5) The licensee shall recognize and use opportunities to teach health concepts to the client and family.
6. (6) A registered nurse or licensed practical nurse employed by or contracted with the licensee shall have a valid license from the Utah Department of Commerce.

7. (7) Responsibilities of a licensed nurse employed or contracted by the home health agency shall include the following:

   1. (a) administer prescribed medications and treatments lawfully and as permitted within the scope of the individual's license;
   2. (b) perform nursing care according to the needs of the client and as indicated in the written plan of care;
   3. (c) inform the primary care provider and other personnel of changes in the client's condition and needs;
   4. (d) document clinical notes in the individual client record for each visit or contact;
   5. (e) teach self-care techniques to the client or family;
   6. (f) develop plans of care; and
   7. (g) participate in in-service programs.

8. (8) The director of nursing services shall:

   1. (a) designate a registered nurse to act as director of nursing services during their absence;
   2. (b) assume responsibility for the quality of nursing services provided;
   3. (c) develop nursing service policies and procedures that shall be reviewed annually and revised as necessary;
   4. (d) establish work schedules for nursing personnel according to client needs;
   5. (e) assist in development of job descriptions for nursing personnel;
   6. (f) complete performance evaluations for nursing personnel according to policy; and
   7. (g) direct in-service programs for nursing personnel.

9. (9) The registered nurse shall:

   1. (a) make the initial nursing evaluation visit;
   2. (b) re-evaluate nursing needs based on the client's status and condition;
   3. (c) initiate the plan of care and make necessary revisions;
   4. (d) provide services that require specialized nursing skills;
   5. (e) initiate appropriate preventive and rehabilitative nursing procedures;
   6. (f) supervise staff assignments based on specific client needs, family capabilities, staff training and experience, and degree of supervision needed;
   7. (g) assist in coordinating services provided;

   8. (h) prepare termination of services statements;

      1. (i) supervise and consult with licensed practical nurses as necessary;
   9. (j) provide written instructions for a certified nursing aide to ensure provision of required services written in the plan of care;

   10. (k) supervise any certified nursing aide in the client's home as necessary, and be readily available for consultation by telephone; and

       1. (l) make supervisory visits with or without certified nursing aide's presence as follows:
       2. (i) for initial assessment;
       3. (ii) every two weeks to clients who receive skilled services;
       4. (iii) every three months to clients who require long-term maintenance services; and
       5. (iv) any time there is a question of change in the client's condition.

10. (10) The licensed practical nurse shall:

    1. (a) work under the supervision of a registered nurse;
    2. (b) observe, record, and report to the immediate supervisor the general physical or mental condition of the client;
    3. (c) assist the registered nurse in performing specialized procedures; and
    4. (d) assist in development of the plan of care.

KEY: health care facilities

Date of Last Change: July 6, 2023

Notice of Continuation: August 13, 2021

Authorizing, and Implemented or Interpreted Law: 26B-2-202