Nurse Delegation & Scope of Practice
Many nurses find delegation to be a perplexing concept with multiple nuances. Please find below a collection of easily accessible resources and information that will provide guidance for delegation in a variety of settings and improve understanding about the delegation process for those nurses who choose to delegate. Resources provided include position statements, printable flow sheets, decision trees and posters, as well as frequently asked questions and answers provided by the Texas Board of Nursing (BON). Links to tools and information are available on this site.
Resources Created by DADS/HHSC
Delegation Don’ts – Tasks prohibited from RN delegation in Independent Living Environments for clients with stable and predictable conditions
Open Enrollment Process
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission accepts applications through its open enrollment process to contract for the Deaf Blind with Multiple Disabilities Medicaid waiver program. Under the open enrollment process, HHSC awards contracts on a noncompetitive basis to eligible applicants meeting provider qualifications and other eligibility requirements.
Applications for DBMD can be submitted year-round with no deadline. DBMD program provider applicants must complete the application packet and include all required documents in accordance with HHSC instructions.
Contracting to Provide Services
To be eligible to provide services and receive reimbursement for these services, a provider agency must meet certain eligibility criteria. Rules regarding minimum eligibility requirements for contracting can be found in the Texas Administrative Code:
DADS is also a member of the State Employment Leadership Network (SELN), a cross-state cooperative venture of state agencies committed to improving employment outcomes for people with disabilities.
The Employment First Task Force, authorized by Senate Bill 1226 (83rd Legislature, Regular Session, 2013), was established by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission executive commissioner to:
promote competitive employment of people with disabilities and
the expectation that individuals with disabilities are able to meet the same employment standards, responsibilities, and expectations as any other working-age adult.
Brief, periodic discussions may be more useful than a one-time discussion about advance directives. The directive to physicians, family or surrogates establishes a framework to discuss current quality of life and what level of medical treatment will be provided at the end of life. The MPOA allows a person to designate someone to make health care decisions for him or her. The MPOA takes effect if the person is unable to make his or her own decisions, and that fact has been certified in writing by the person’s physician.
Resources Created by HHSC
Form 2189, Palliative Care, is for use by a physician to document palliative care choices and services at the end of life for people living in nursing facilities.
What Are the Benefits of Child or Youth Mental Health Services?
National statistics show that one out of four children will have a mental illness during childhood. Children diagnosed and treated are more likely to succeed at home and in the community.
These services are based upon the child’s strengths, needs and preferences. The benefits include:
Reduction of mental health symptoms
Development of new communication skills
Development of new ways to manage emotions
Development of new ways to relax and create
Improved social functioning at home and the community
Services that fit into the child’s and family’s schedule