Diabetes Aide
Delegation of Diabetes tasks by a RN:
When a licensed nurse is not available, an RN, who has met the requirments listed in ARSD 20:48:04.01:17, may delegate diabetes tasks to a nursing assistant, including the administration of subcutaneous (SQ) insulin.
Delegated tasks may include:
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Helping a person with an insulin pump or with an insulin pen device;
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Administering SQ insulin from a vial and syringe or with an insulin pen device;
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Assisting a person with counting carbohydrates;
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Performing blood glucose monitoring.
Nurses are required to follow rules on:
Nurses and employers are encouraged to use the Delegation Decision Making Algorithm to guide whether a specific nursing task may be delegated.
Prior to an RN delegating diabetes tasks:
A Nursing Assistant must:
- Complete the 10-hour diabetes aide training course taught by an RN instructor, as described below;
- Pass a final exam, administered by the RN instructor;
- Pass a skills competency checklist.
A Delegating RN must:
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Have on file a written protocol that includes the requirements listed in ARSD 20:48:04.01:16;
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Complete the BON's online RN Train-the-Trainer Course;
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Teach or ensure that the 10-hour diabetes aide training course has been completed by the Nursing Assistant. The 10-hour course must consist of:
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5-hours of theoretical instruction on the diabetes topics listed in ARSD 20:48:04.01:16(1);
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The Board offers a free online Diabetes Aide Training Course that meets this requirement;
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5-hours of clinical/lab instruction that includes an evaluation of the Nursing Assistant's competency to perform the diabetes tasks using the Board's approved Diabetes Aide Competency Checklist;
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The administration of a final exam.
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The RN instructor may contact the Board to request access to questions for use in developing a final exam.
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Annually, revalidate the Diabetes Aide's competency using the Board's approved Diabetes Aide Competency Checklist.
Documentation of training should be maintained by the employer or RN.
*Diabetes aides employed in Assisted Living Centers are required to be registered as a Medication Aide.
