Can a nurse delegate tasks to home care caregivers in Connecticut?

In limited cases. In Connecticut, an RN at a licensed home health or hospice agency can delegate giving medications to home health aides who hold a state medication certification. Injected medications, including insulin, are excluded. Separately, a personal care assistant at a registered homemaker-companion agency may give medications to a competent adult who directs their own care.

What conditions apply?

• Only licensed home health care agencies and hospice agencies may use RN delegation of medication
• The RN may delegate only medications not given by injection
• The aide must hold medication administration certification, renewed every two years (or a current DCF or DDS certification)
• No delegation when the prescriber says only a licensed nurse may give the medication
• The RN documents in the care plan that the aide can give the medication safely
• The RN gives initial direction and ongoing supervision, including periodic assessment of the patient
• An RN can refuse to delegate if their assessment shows a nurse is needed

Is there an exception for self-directed care?

A personal care assistant employed by a registered homemaker-companion agency may administer medications to a competent adult who directs their own care and makes their own decisions about assessment, planning, and evaluation. Domestic administration of family remedies is also exempt.

What is the difference between medication reminders and administration?

Reminding a client to take their medicine, or handing them a container they open themselves, is usually treated as assistance. Giving the medicine, such as placing pills in the mouth, giving an injection or crushing tablets, is administration and generally needs a license or nurse delegation. Check your state's rule and the client's care plan.

What should you confirm with the state?

The statute does not say whether the homemaker-companion exemption covers injections. Check before an aide gives insulin under it.