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

Not confirmed. Indiana's Board of Nursing rules only say an RN may delegate tasks to people prepared and qualified to do them; they do not set out a home care delegation program. Personal services agencies can provide attendant care that includes medication reminders, opening preset containers and helping a client handle or swallow medicines, when a competent client or their representative directs it. No source found allows home aides to give injections such as insulin.

What conditions apply?

• Board standard: an RN may delegate and supervise only nursing measures the nurse knows the other person is prepared and qualified to perform, and keeps accountability for delegated care
• Licensed personal services agencies may provide attendant care that includes medication reminders or cues, opening preset medication containers, and help handling or swallowing medications
• That medication help is only for an impaired person who is competent and directs the services, or whose services are directed by someone who can consent to health care for them

Is there an exception for self-directed care?

Indiana's attendant care definition is built on direction by the client: medication help counts as attendant care only when a competent client, or a person who can consent for an incompetent client, directs it.

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?

No Indiana rule was found that spells out which nursing tasks an RN may delegate to home care aides; confirm with the Indiana State Board of Nursing and the Indiana Department of Health.