Legal Aspects for CNA's + Delegation

Module 1 | Legal Aspects for CNA's , Module 1 | Delegation

Nurse Practice Act

Law that regulates CNA roles, functions, education, certification requirements, and scope of practice

Purpose of the Nurse Practice Act

Defines what a CNA can legally do

State requirements for CNA certification

Complete training program, pass skills, clinical, and competency exams, and be listed on the state registry

Illinois Health Care Worker Registry (HCWR)

Online registry maintained by IDPH for CNA certification records

How to access the Illinois Health Care Worker Registry

Through the Illinois Department of Public Health website

Purpose of the Healthcare Worker Registry

Tracks CNA certification status and eligibility to work

Requirement to maintain CNA certification

Work at least 8 hours every 2 years

Additional requirement to maintain CNA certification

Complete 12 hours of continuing education, workshops, or professional development

Purpose of healthcare worker background checks

Protect vulnerable individuals receiving healthcare services

Reportable offenses on background checks

Abuse, neglect, and misappropriation of property

Competency standards for CNA practice

Work required hours, maintain certification, complete continuing education, and perform skills safely

Resources for career development

In-service training, continuing education programs, workshops, and seminars

Where are career development opportunities often posted?

Bulletin boards, staff areas, and time clocks

Career ladder options for CNAs

Additional certifications and advancement opportunities within healthcare

Legal limits of the CNA role

Tasks that CNAs are not legally allowed to perform

Can a CNA give medications?

No

Can a CNA insert or remove tubes?

No

Can a CNA insert a Foley catheter?

No

Can a CNA suction a patient?

No

Can a CNA take a rectal temperature?

No

Can a CNA take physician telephone orders?

No

Can a CNA perform sterile procedures?

No

Can a CNA discuss diagnoses or treatments with patients or families?

No

Can a CNA diagnose illnesses?

No

Can a CNA prescribe treatment?

No

Can a CNA supervise other CNAs?

No

What should a CNA do if asked to perform a task outside their scope?

Refuse and explain why they cannot perform the task

Can a CNA write up another CNA?

No

Delegation

Authorizing another person to perform a nursing task in a specific situation

Who can delegate tasks to a CNA?

RNs and LPNs

Can CNAs delegate tasks to other CNAs?

No

CNA responsibility when accepting delegated tasks

Ensure proper training, supervision, and understanding of the task

Can a CNA refuse a delegated task?

Yes, if it is unsafe or outside their role, but they must explain why

What should a CNA do if confused about a delegated task?

Ask the nurse for clarification

Step 1 of delegation

Assessment and planning

Step 2 of delegation

Communication

Step 3 of delegation

Surveillance and supervision

Step 4 of delegation

Evaluation and feedback

Five Rights of Delegation

Right task, right circumstance, right person, right directions and communication, right supervision

Right task

The task is appropriate for delegation

Right circumstance

The patient's condition and situation are appropriate

Right person

The correct individual is performing the task

Right directions and communication

Clear instructions are provided

Right supervision

Appropriate oversight is available

RN responsibilities

Assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, evaluation, delegation, and direct patient care

LPN responsibilities

Carry out nursing tasks under RN supervision and delegate appropriate tasks to CNAs

CNA responsibilities on the nursing team

Provide basic nursing care, follow directions, report observations, and work within scope of practice

Who supervises the CNA?

RNs and LPNs

What should a CNA do after making a mistake?

Report it immediately to the nurse

Ways to become an effective team member

Communicate well, ask questions, perform tasks correctly, respect resident rights, and maintain safety

Professional-ethical behaviors expected of a CNA

Follow policies, protect resident rights, be honest, and provide safe care

Why are ethical work behaviors important?

Protect residents, maintain professionalism, and improve quality of care

Examples of good CNA qualities

Caring, dependable, cheerful, empathetic, trustworthy, respectful, courteous, conscientious, honest, cooperative, enthusiastic, self-aware, patient

Importance of professional appearance

Promotes professionalism and represents the healthcare facility

Characteristics of professional appearance

Clean uniform, neat appearance, no excessive jewelry, short nails, wrinkle-free clothing

Why is professional appearance important?

It promotes trust and reflects the quality of the healthcare agency