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

Yes. Kansas law exempts nursing procedures that a licensed nurse delegates, using nursing judgment and supervising the person who does them. It also exempts attendant care in the home that is directed by or for a person with a functional disability, including giving medications, suppositories and wound care when a physician or RN agrees it can be done safely at home. The Board's detailed delegation rules cover only schools. Insulin injections are not named in either law.

What conditions apply?

• The Nurse Practice Act exempts any nursing procedure delegated by a licensed nurse, within reasonable nursing judgment, and done with reasonable skill and safety under RN or LPN supervision
• Separately, attendant care services directed by or on behalf of a functionally disabled person living at home are exempt from nurse licensing
• Attendant care includes health maintenance activities such as giving medications, enemas and suppositories, catheter irrigation and wound care, if the physician or RN believes the person could do them if physically able and they can be done safely at home
• Unlicensed medication aides certified by KDHE may give medications only in adult care homes and hospital long-term care units

Is there an exception for self-directed care?

K.S.A. 65-1124(l) exempts attendant care services, including health maintenance activities like medication administration, when directed by or on behalf of a functionally disabled individual in need of in-home care (K.S.A. 65-6201).

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?

Kansas law does not name insulin injections; confirm with the Kansas State Board of Nursing before an aide gives injections.