Scope of practice—Nursing home employment—Voluntary certification—Rules

(1)(a) A nursing assistant may assist in the care of individuals as delegated by and under the direction and supervision of a licensed (registered) nurse or licensed practical nurse or work as a long-term care worker as allowed by RCW 18.88B.041(1) (a) or (b). (b) A health care facility shall not assign a nursing assistant-registered to provide care until the nursing assistant-registered has demonstrated skills necessary to perform competently all assigned duties and responsibilities. (c) Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to confer on a nursing assistant the authority to administer medication unless delegated as a specific nursing task pursuant to this chapter or to practice as a licensed (registered) nurse or licensed practical nurse as defined in chapter 18.79 RCW. (2)(a) A nursing assistant employed in a nursing home must have successfully obtained certification through: (i) An approved training program and the competency evaluation within a period of time determined in rule by the board; or (ii) alternative training and the competency evaluation prior to employment. (b) Certification is voluntary for nursing assistants working in health care facilities other than nursing homes unless otherwise required by state or federal law or regulation. (3) The board may adopt rules to implement the provisions of this chapter.