THE NURSE ASSISTANT IN LTC/HH
ETHICS AND LEGAL ISSUES Qs & As
How often must a Nurse assistant renew certification? - ANSWER-Every 2 years
What is the basic role of the nurse aide? Can the nurse aide work independently outside
of a facility or agency? - ANSWER-To provide care for the residents/ patients. No, all
CNA's must work under a licensed nurse.
What are the "5 Rights of Delegation"? - ANSWER-First: The right task?
Second: The right circumstances?
Third: Are you the right person for the job?
Fourth: Right directions and communication?
Fifth: Do you have the right supervision?
Explain why a nurse aide might refuse a task. - ANSWER-CNAs do have the right to
refuse a task that has been delegated to him/her by the
licensed nurse only if:
The task is outside of the CNA's scope of practice
The task is not in the job description
The task could harm the person
The person's condition has changed
There are inadequate supplies to safely accomplish the task
Directions are not ethical, legal or are against facility policy
Directions are incomplete or unclear
A nurse is not available to supervise the task.
With whom can the nurse aide share information about a resident? - ANSWER-Any
Licensed healthcare worker
What functions are outside the scope of practice for a CNA? - ANSWER-Administer
medications
Insert tubes or objects into body openings. (Do not remove them).
Take oral or telephone orders from doctors
Perform procedures that require sterile technique
Tell the person or family the person's diagnosis or medical or surgical treatment plans.
Diagnose or prescribe treatments or drugs
Supervise others, including other nursing assistants
Ignore an order or request to do something. This includes nursing tasks that you
can do, those you cannot do, and those that are beyond your legal limits.