What is my responsibility when delegating tasks to unlicensed employees?
Provided that you are satisfied with the competence of your employee, with due regard to the safety of the patient, and in keeping with sound medical practice, standing delegation orders may be authorized for the performance of acts and duties that do not require the exercise of independent medical judgment Please see TMB Standing Delegation Orders, Chapter 193 for more information. Unlicensed employees can be trained to perform some tasks associated with the delivery of patient care; however, some tasks are inappropriate to delegate and the accountability for the competent performance of that task remains with the physician. In determining the appropriate role for unlicensed personnel, you should consider the capabilities of the employee, the complexity of the task, and the amount of supervision required. Employers can be held liable for negligent delegation if they: • delegate a task they know or should know the person does not have the training or experience to complete; • do not pr
