Can the monthly assessment be delegated to a LPN?
The RN may delegate any task that is within the scope of practice for a LPN if the proper components are present. If part of the physical assessment or other data collection is delegated to the LPN, the RN will still need to see each consumer monthly as part of their professional evaluation and determination of further assessment needs. The consumer is the focus of the evaluation and the focus of service delivery for which this program is funded. Professional evaluation should not occur without assessing, evaluating progress and updating his/her support needs. The depth of each assessment will depend on the consumer’s risks and needs as identified by the nursing professional but will be in person each month. A physical assessment is not within the scope / skill of UAP and could not be delegated to them however other data collection such as vitals, weights etc. could be once they demonstrate training and competency in that skill as determined by the RN delegating.
