Can a RN delegate the administration of medicated ointments, lotions, and protective skin barriers to unlicensed personnel?
Pursuant to Chapter III, Section 1.3 of the Rules and Regulations of the Mississippi Board of Nursing: The RN shall be held accountable for the quality of nursing care given by self or others being supervised. The registered nurse may: • Assign specific nursing duties to other qualified personnel; • Assign duties of administration of patient medications to other licensed nurses only (either a RN or LPN) • Assign duties for giving patient treatments to licensed nurses and/or auxiliary workers based upon knowledge of their educational preparation and experience. Thus, medication administration may only be delegated to another registered nurse or licensed practical nurse and not to an unlicensed person, except as set out in Chapter VI of the rules and regulations for certified hemodialysis technicians. This would include medicated ointments, lotions and protective barriers, regardless of skin integrity.
