RN Assignment Decision Tree
Assignment to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP)



NO
¯
Do NOT assign

¬


Is the care and activity to be performed based upon orders or
directions of a licensed physician, licensed dentist, licensed podiatrist, or person licensed to practice nursing as a registered professional nurse?

Yes
¯

YES
¯
Do NOT assign

¬


Does performance of the task require licensure in another
health care profession?

No
¯

YES
¯
Do NOT assign

¬

Does the task require the knowledge and skills of a person practicing nursing as a registered professional nurse?

®

No
¯
May Assign

Unsure
¯

YES
¯
Do NOT assign

¬


Does the client’s health status and situation involve complex observations or critical decisions that require the knowledge and skills of a professional nurse?

No
¯

NO
¯
Do NOT assign

¬

Can the task be safely performed according to exact, unchanging directions?

Yes
¯

NO
¯
Do NOT assign

¬

Are the results of the task reasonably predictable?

Yes
¯

NO
¯
Do NOT assign
to that UAP

¬

Has the RN verified that the UAP has the knowledge and skills necessary to accept assignment?

Yes
¯
May assign