UDA Training: Legal Considerations
Diabetes Aide TrainingComplete all of the following modules:
As you complete this training course the RN responsible for delegating the task of insulin administration should be available to discuss the content and answer your questions.
Legal Considerations
How can an unlicensed diabetes aide (UDA) administer insulin legally when they are not licensed nurses?
All state government legislatures have enacted laws to protect the public's health and welfare by overseeing and ensuring the safe
practice of nursing. The laws are often referred to as a state’s “Nurse Practice Act” or NPA.
South Dakota’s NPA, specifically South Dakota Codified Law (SDCL) 36-9 and Administrative Rules (ARSD) 20:48, allows a
nurse to delegate certain tasks to trained unlicensed diabetes aides (UDAs) that have met certain standards. The nurse
is responsible to make the decision as to whether or not to delegate a task based on nursing judgment. When a nurse
decides to delegate a task, like insulin administration, the nurse provides the UDA the authority to complete that
delegated task.
What are the standards a UDA must meet in order to legally perform delegated diabetes care tasks including insulin administration?
All UDAs must complete the following requirements as outlined in the NPA; ARSD 20:48:04.01:16.
- Completion of a five hour Board approved training program in the following areas:
- Diabetes basics
- Hypogylcemia
- Hyperglycemia
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Glucagon administration
- Insulin types and methods of administration
- Nutrition and physical activity
- Documentation
- Universal precautions
- Successful completion of a Board approved written examination.
- A passing score is required on the test with the opportunity to retake the test one time.
- Completion of a minimum of five (5) hours of clinical or laboratory instruction including the demonstration of
individual competence utilizing a Board approved checklist in the following areas:
- Blood glucose monitoring
- Insulin administration
- Glucagon administration
- Carbohydrate counting/diet management
- Universal precautions
- Annual review of individual competence
- Current registration with the Board of Nursing
What exactly is meant by delegation?
Delegation takes place when the RN, who has the legal authority to deliver nursing care, transfers the responsibility
for the performance of certain tasks to qualified, trained unlicensed persons, such as a UDA. (Adapted from NCSBN, 2015).
When you, as a UDA, accept the responsibility for a delegated task, you have the authority to complete it as directed.
If you are not able to complete the task you do not have the authority to delegate the task to another person.
You must contact your delegating RN. The RN will make the decision as to whether to perform the task her/himself or to delegate
the task to another qualified, trained unlicensed person.
Can a UDA refuse to accept a delegated task?
Yes, a UDA should not accept the delegated task if she/he decides more training or additional guidance is needed before the task can be completed safely. The RN should be contacted and more training may be needed before the task is performed independently by the UDA.
Who provides supervision for the delegated tasks?
The RN must provide supervision of the UDA to ensure a safe outcome. The amount of supervision or oversight required depends on the stability
of the client, the competency of the UDA and the availability of the nurse when the task is being performed.
Communication is essential for safe and effective outcomes. Communication with the nurse may be in person, by telephone or computer. The method of communication should be addressed in the patient’s or student’s plan of care.