What are Nursing Services?
Nursing Services (NS) consist of nurse consultants who provide health-related assessments and clinical consultation to clients eligible for Medicaid Long-Term Services and Supports (LTSS). These services are available to clients, their providers, and case managers to support the development, coordination, and implementation of person-centered plan of care.
Nursing Services offer clients (e.g. COPES, MPC and DDA Waiver Personal Care), providers, and case managers with health-related assessment and consultation in order to enhance the development and implementation of the client's plan of care.
Nursing Services is not a direct care provider of intermittent or emergency nursing care, skills or services requiring physician orders and supervision.
HCS Nurse Care Consultants (NCCs), AAA Case Managers, and RN Case Managers (RCMs) collaborate to develop and implement appropriate care plans for all clients with triggered nursing referrals, most importantly, those related to skin integrity and the prevention of pressure injuries.
How to Obtain a Skilled Nurse Contract
The Skilled Nurse Contract is open to RNs who would like to work with their local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to provide intermittent nursing tasks on a short-term basis. To obtain a contract application you must contact the regional AAA where you wish to work.
Steps to apply, the application with standards for the service, as well as the required documentation to send to the appropriate AAA are listed at the website below. If seeking a contract in multiple service areas, please apply to each of the different areas. Email nursingservices@dshs.wa.gov for more information.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) may employ Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) as nurse consultants to complete focused assessments for the Skin Observation Protocol (SOP) and other CARE-triggered referrals for the purpose of data collection. The collected data is reviewed by a Registered Nurse (RN) for care planning purposes.
Documents
- Preventing Pressure Injuries: A Patient Guide to Prevention (PDF)
- Pain After Spinal Cord Injury (PDF)
- Staying Healthy After a Spinal Cord Injury (PDF)
- Glossary of Terms
- Photographs and Descriptions of Pressure Injuries
- Skin and Body Care
- Skin Observation Protocol Assumptions
- Skin Observation Protocol Frequently Asked Questions
- Skin Observation Protocol Sample Documentation
- Skin Observation Protocol Flowchart
- Basic Training for Nurse Delegator Responsibilities for Skin Observation Protocol (PowerPoint)
- Skin Observation Protocol Basic Skin Assessment Form
- Skin Observation Protocol Pressure Injury Assessment Form
- Skin Observation Prevention Plan
- Skin Observation Protocol Healthy Skin 1
- Skin Observation Protocol Healthy Skin 2