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

In limited cases. Mississippi's Board of Nursing rules let an RN assign specific nursing duties to qualified unlicensed staff, but medication administration may be assigned only to other licensed nurses. The only exception in the rules is for certified hemodialysis technicians. That means home care aides cannot be delegated medication administration, including insulin, under the Board's rules.

What conditions apply?

• An RN may assign specific nursing duties and treatments to other qualified personnel based on their preparation, experience, competency and ability
• An RN may assign administration of medications only to other licensed nurses (RN or LPN); the only listed exception (Part 2860) covers certified clinical hemodialysis technicians
• The RN must appraise and guide the care given by auxiliary workers under the RN's direction

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?

Help with self-administered medicines (reminders, opening containers) is not addressed in the Board rule; check Mississippi State Department of Health home care rules.