(1)
- (a) A nursing assistant may assist in the care of individuals as delegated by and under the direction and supervision of a licensed (registered) nurse or licensed practical nurse.
- (b) A health care facility shall not assign a nursing assistant-registered to provide care until the nursing assistant-registered has demonstrated skills necessary to perform competently all assigned duties and responsibilities.
- (c) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to confer on a nursing assistant the authority to administer medication unless delegated as a specific nursing task pursuant to this chapter or to practice as a licensed (registered) nurse or licensed practical nurse as defined in chapter 18.79 RCW.
(2)
(a) A nursing assistant employed in a nursing home must have successfully obtained certification through:
- (i) An approved training program and the competency evaluation within a period of time determined in rule by the board; or (ii) alternative training and the competency evaluation prior to employment.
- (b) Certification is voluntary for nursing assistants working in health care facilities other than nursing homes unless otherwise required by state or federal law or regulation.
- (3) The board may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this chapter.
[ 2025 c 58 s 5032; 2021 c 203 s 16; 2010 c 169 s 4; 1995 1st sp.s. c 18 s 52; 1994 sp.s. c 9 s 709; 1991 c 16 s 3; 1989 c 300 s 5; 1988 c 267 s 3. Formerly RCW 18.52B.030.]
Notes:
Explanatory note—2025 c 58: See note following RCW 1.16.050.
Effective date—Retroactive application—2021 c 203: See notes following RCW 43.43.832.
Conflict with federal requirements—2010 c 169: See note following RCW 18.88A.010.
Conflict with federal requirements—Severability—Effective date—1995 1st sp.s. c 18: See notes following RCW 74.39A.030.
Severability—Headings and captions not law—Effective date—1994 sp.s. c 9: See RCW 18.79.900 through 18.79.902.