Washington Administrative Code
Title 246 - Health, Department of
PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND LICENSING
Chapter 246-841A - Nursing assistants
DEFINITIONS
Section 246-841A-390 - Definitions

Universal Citation: WA Admin Code 246-841A-390

Current through Register Vol. 24-18, September 15, 2024

The definitions in RCW 18.88A.020 and in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

(1) "Asynchronous" means online learning of classroom or theory content that allows students to view and participate with online instructional materials within a flexible, but defined time period and does not include a live video lecture component.

(2) "Clinical" means students' in-facility experiences providing care in accordance with the nursing assistant scope of practice under the supervision of an approved instructor for the training program. Students who opt to complete clinical requirements through the nursing assistant-registered work pathway may be supervised by a licensed nurse as described in subsection (8)(b) of this section.

(3) "Commission" means the Washington state nursing care quality assurance commission.

(4) "Common curriculum" means the curriculum framework provided by the commission for use by all programs. The curriculum framework includes materials for nine basic units and integrates three specialty trainings (developmental disabilities, mental health, and dementia) as directed by the legislature. The common curriculum supports students' development of a holistic, person-centered care approach.

(5) "Competency evaluation" means the measurement of an individual's knowledge and skills as related to safe, competent performance of one's professional role. A formal, state-required competency evaluation is required for certification as a nursing assistant or for a certification endorsement as a medication assistant.

(6) "Corrective action" means the necessary steps a nursing assistant training program must take to address identified deficiencies in or violations of program standards.

(7) "Corrective action designation" means a classification added by the commission to a nursing assistant training program's approval status when deficiencies in or violations of program standards exist. Corrective action designations are described in WAC 246-841A-470 and include: Full approval with plan of correction; full approval with plan of correction and technical assistance; and conditional approval.

(8) "Direct patient care" means implementing all aspects of the nursing process with patients through hands-on, face-to-face contact by a licensed nurse. The nursing process consists of assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.

(9) "Direct supervision" means:

(a) For nursing assistant and medication assistant students in clinical: An approved instructor is always on-site to ensure appropriate care assignments, supervise, teach, and evaluate performance while the students are providing care.

(b) For nursing assistant-registered employees using the nursing assistant-registered work pathway for clinical credit in a nursing assistant training program: A licensed nurse is always on-site to supervise and evaluate competency for all tasks assigned and care to be provided.

(c) For medication assistants employed in a nursing home: The licensed registered nurse who directs medication administration and commission-approved treatments to a medication assistant is on-site, immediately accessible in person, and has assessed the residents prior to performance of these duties.

(10) "Good standing" means:

(a) For a nursing assistant training program: The program has operated for at least one year and has full approval status with no corrective action designation as identified in WAC 246-841A-470.

(b) Regarding the status of an individual's license or credential: The license or credential is not currently subject to any sanction, terms, conditions or restrictions required by formal or informal discipline or an agreement to practice with conditions under chapter 18.130 RCW, the Uniform Disciplinary Act.

(11) "Holistic care" means care of the whole person by supporting the person's human needs within one's professional scope of practice. Human needs include physiological, safety, love and belonging, self-esteem, and self-actualization needs.

(12) "Home care aide-certified" means any person certified under chapter 18.88B RCW.

(13) "Hybrid program" means online learning replaces a portion of face-to-face classroom or theory instruction with web-based online learning (e.g., video lectures, online discussions, or activities).

(14) "Learning management system" means a software application for the administration, documentation, tracking, reporting, automation and delivery of educational courses, training programs, or learning and development programs.

(15) "Live online" (also called "synchronous") means online classroom theory learning where students are required to log in at a specific time and participate in real-time activities in the virtual classroom with a live instructor.

(16) "Medical assistant-certified" means a person certified under chapter 18.360 RCW.

(17) "Medication assistant" means a nursing assistant-certified with a medication assistant endorsement issued under chapter 18.88A RCW who is authorized to administer certain medications and perform certain treatments in a nursing home under the supervision of a registered nurse.

(18) "Nursing assistant(s)" includes both nursing assistants-registered and nursing assistants-certified.

(19) "Nursing assistant-certified" means any person certified under chapter 18.88A RCW.

(20) "Nursing assistant-registered" means any person registered under chapter 18.88A RCW.

(21) "Nursing home" means any facility licensed under chapter 18.51 RCW.

(22) "Pass rates" means the averaged percentage of students who successfully meet the standard for the state certification examination on their first attempt, measured annually for all programs individually and in aggregate.

(23) "Prescriber-ordered treatments" means drugs or care tasks ordered by a practitioner who is authorized by law or rule in the state of Washington to prescribe drugs or treatments.

(24) "Program standards" means:

(a) Requirements as stated in this chapter;

(b) Policies, procedures, and program materials and forms developed by the commission in support of implementation and compliance with this chapter and state and federal laws;

(c) Demonstration of current and accurate information in program teaching, materials, and communications regarding federal and state laws and regulations pertaining to:
(i) Nursing assistant training, testing, and certification requirements;

(ii) Nursing assistant scope of practice and practice standards; and

(iii) Nursing assistant professional conduct requirements; and

(d) Compliance with applicable state and federal laws.

(25) "Technical assistance" means aid by the commission to support the program in its efforts to meet program standards. Technical assistance sessions are scheduled for a designated time period. They may occur by phone, virtual meeting, or in-person. As examples, technical assistance may include:

(a) Review of program activities and processes in relation to program standards;

(b) Review of program standards with explanations and examples relevant to the program;

(c) Introduction to approaches or resources that may be helpful to the program; or

(d) A written summary of technical assistance provided and requirements for the program to meet program standards.

(26) "Technical support" relates to students in hybrid programs with asynchronous online elements and means timely assistance by the training program to correct technical difficulties with access to online training program materials or use of those materials. Technical support is provided as part of the overall training program with no additional costs to students for technical support needs.

Disclaimer: These regulations may not be the most recent version. Washington may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
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