2015 South Carolina Code of Laws
Title 40 - Professions and Occupations
CHAPTER 33 - NURSES
Section 40-33-42. Delegation of tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel.

(A) An advanced practice registered nurse, registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse is responsible for the delegation and supervision of nursing tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel. Tasks that may be assigned to unlicensed assistive personnel must be stated in the employers' policies, and the employer shall verify the training of this personnel and their competencies to perform the tasks.

(B) Tasks which may be delegated and performed under supervision may include, but are not limited to:

(1) meeting patients' needs for personal hygiene;

(2) meeting patients' needs relating to nutrition;

(3) meeting patients' needs relating to ambulation;

(4) meeting patients' needs relating to elimination;

(5) taking vital signs;

(6) maintaining asepsis;

(7) observing, recording, and reporting any of the tasks enumerated in the subsection.

(C) Subject to the rights of licensed physicians and dentists under state law, the administration of medications is the responsibility of a licensed nurse as prescribed by the licensed physician, dentist, other authorized licensed provider or as authorized in an approved written protocol or guidelines. Unlicensed assistive personnel must not administer medications, except as otherwise provided by law.

HISTORY: 2004 Act No. 225, Section 1.