FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)
Delegated Nursing | Health Service Coordination | Audit Services
Medication Administration Class | CPR & First Aid Class | General
Delegated Nursing
Is nursing required for delegation?
Yes. If nursing delegation is required, a licensed nurse must be actively involved in the intake, assessment, and ongoing monitoring of the consumer and certified personnel.
What settings require nursing delegation?
You can find a complete list of settings that require or prohibit nursing delegation on our community link under Certification 1 Medication Curriculum on page 10.
Prescribed Medication Handbook and Health Related Activities Training Manual
What does delegation entail?
The delegating nurse completes an assessment of the consumer and the certified personnel who will be completing the nursing task. If it is determined that nursing delegation is appropriate, the nurse will complete a statement of delegation. This form verifies that the nurse feels that the personnel listed is safe and able to perform the outlined duties or tasks as specified on the form. Prior to the administration of any new medications or health related activities, the nurse must complete an IST or individual specific training. This can be done via telecommunications, but must be done PRIOR to the performing the task. The nurse is also responsible for completing an initial and ongoing skills check for the task being completed. For example, if he/she is delegating the administration of insulin, a check list must be completed PRIOR to completion of the task, every year, and as needed.
How do we set up nursing delegation through Viaquest Nursing Services?
Please contact the Director of Nursing or Assistant Director of Nursing to discuss your need. He/She can get some general information and arrange an assessment of the individual and certified personnel upon completion of our consent form. Once the nurse completes her assessment, he/she makes the determination if delegation is appropriate.
We have a consumer who was recently diagnosed with Diabetes and requires the administration of insulin. Can home staff administer this medication?
It depends. This would require a nursing assessment to determine if the consumer is stable. For example, if this is a new diabetic and his/her blood sugar readings are not well controlled, this may not be a good candidate for nursing delegation. However, given that the consumer is stable and the nurse feels the certified personnel are competent and safe to administer the medication, delegation may be appropriate.
Health Service Coordination
What documents do the ViaQuest nurses track in Licensed, Supported Living or ICFMR homes?
The nurses are required to track: consent for health service coordination, standing orders, self-medication assessment, HIPPA form, nursing treatment plan, ISP, psychotropic consents, diagnosis list, composite medical history, release of information, history and physical including TB skin test and physician orders.
Where should controlled medications be stored?
Controlled medications (narcotics, psychotropic medications, sleep medications and various others) should be in a locked box or cabinet. Controlled medications must also be counted by 2 staff persons at the beginning and the end of each shift and must be documented when administered on the MAR and on a controlled substance count sheet.
How frequently do physician’s orders have to be signed?
Physician orders must be signed by the physician every month for ICFMR’s, every 3 months for licensed homes and every 6 months for supported living homes.
Does the nurse make medical appointments or take the consumer to the appointment?
The nurses do not make or schedule medical appointments, nor are they permitted to transport any consumers in their vehicles. The nurses will assist staff and home coordinators to ensure that all medical appointments are met in a timely manner. The nurses will also track medical appointments and make recommendations based on specific guidelines put forth by the State of Ohio. The nurse may attend medical or other appointments with the Waiver provider at the request of the individual or another team member.
Audit Services
If you have questions on our audit requirements, see our Audit Previsit Letter [pdf].
Medication Administration Class
What requirements have to be met prior to taking the medication administration class?
Staff and Providers must have a clean BCI, nurse aide and abuser registry check, HS Diploma or GED, must be at least 18 years of age and the provider must complete and submit a class application. You can receive an application by contacting our nurse educator at the ViaQuest Office.
CPR & First Aid Class
If your card has expired and you administer CPR are you covered under the Good Samartian Law?
You are not protected by the Good Samaritan, because you must work within the scope of your practice.
Is there a difference between AHA certifications and other CPR certifications?
Yes, the primary difference is in the length of time that the certification is valid.
AMA certification is good for 2 years.
What makes this class better than other CPR classes?
This instructor believes that you should have the facts, but more importantly that when you walk out of class you actually know how to do CPR.
If you have CPR certification from organization other than AHA can I take the AHA re-certification course?
Yes, you can!
General
How much do your nursing services cost?
It depends. If you are a provider of Supported Living/IO Waiver/Licensed IO Waiver Setting in Franklin County and you are looking for Health Service Coordination, then the service is FREE to you — the Franklin County Board of MRDD contracts with us to provide this services in Franklin County. For other nursing needs, please contact our office at 614-336-3629 and ask for Robyn McDonald, RN.
How does a provider obtain nursing services from ViaQuest Nursing Services?
Contact our office at 614-336-3629 and ask to speak with our Director of Nursing: Robyn McDonald. It’s that simple and I will assist with this process to ensure a smooth transition. For general inquiries about our services, submit our online contact form.
