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

Yes. Michigan law lets an RN delegate selected nursing tasks to qualified unlicensed people under the RN's supervision, with no setting limits. Tasks that need an RN's education, skill and judgment cannot be delegated. Neither the statute nor the Board rule lists specific tasks or says whether medication administration or insulin can be delegated in a home.

What conditions apply?

• Only an RN may delegate nursing acts, functions or tasks
• The RN confirms the task is within the RN's scope, checks the delegatee's qualifications, knowledge and skills, and supervises and evaluates performance
• Under the Public Health Code, a licensee may delegate to an unlicensed individual qualified by education, training or experience, under the licensee's supervision, but not tasks that require the licensee's level of education, skill and judgment
• The RN keeps ultimate responsibility for delegated tasks

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?

Michigan's rules do not name specific tasks; confirm with the Michigan Board of Nursing before delegating medications.