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

Yes. Wyoming lets licensed nurses delegate nursing tasks to trained unlicensed assistive personnel in any setting, based on the worker's verified competence, the client's stability and how accessible a nurse is. The rules do not list which medication tasks or routes can be delegated to home care aides, and do not mention insulin. The nurse must stay reachable and remains accountable.

What conditions apply?

• An APRN, RN or LPN may delegate nursing care to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) of any title (including CNAs and certified medication aides) who have the training, skills and demonstrated competency; clinical reasoning and nursing judgment cannot be delegated
• The employer must name a nurse leader to oversee delegation, write delegation policies, and assess and verify staff competency
• Delegation depends on the delegatee's competence, the client's stability (predictable, low risk) and the setting, including how close the client is to staff and how accessible a licensed nurse is
• The delegating nurse must give direction and evaluation, stay reachable in person or by phone or text, and remains accountable

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?

Confirm with the Wyoming State Board of Nursing before delegating medication administration or insulin to home care aides.