Ala. Admin. Code r. 610-X-6-.13

Current through Register Vol. 43, No. 1, October 31, 2024

Section 610-X-6-.13 - Standards For Wound Assessment And Care

(1) It is within the scope of a licensed nurse practice to perform wound assessments, including but not limited to staging of a wound and making determinations as to whether wounds are present on admission to a healthcare facility, pursuant to an approved standardized procedure, outlined in Rule 610-X-6-.12, Standardized Procedures, including supervised clinical practice and demonstrated clinical competence, initially and at periodic intervals.

(2) The minimum training for the licensed nurse who performs selected tasks associated with wound assessment and care shall include:

(a) Anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology.

(b) Fluid and electrolyte balance.

(c) Equipment and procedures used in wound assessment and care.

(d) Chronic wound differentiation.

(e) Risk identification.

(f) Measurement of wound.

(g) Stage of wound.

(h) Condition of the wound bed, including:

(i) Tissues.

(ii) Exudate.

(iii) Edges.

(iv) Infection.

(i) Skin surrounding the wound.

(j) Pain.

(k) Complications, prevention, and nursing intervention.

(l) Identification of any contributing factors, including but not limited to:

1. Perfusion/oxygenation.

2. Nutritional status.

3. Infection.

4. Medications.

5. Diabetes.

(m) Photographing wounds.

(3) The licensed nurse may provide wound care beyond their basic education, in accordance with an order from an authorized prescriber and after successful completion of an organized program of study, supervised clinical practice, and demonstrated clinical competence, initially and at periodic intervals.

(4) The minimum training for the licensed nurse performing selected tasks associated with wound care shall include:

(a) Dressing changes, including authorized prescriber ordered medication or topical treatment or topical dressing, including:

1. Chemical debridement.

2. Enzymatic debridement.

3. Autolytic debridement.

4. Application and maintenance of wound vac therapy,

(b) Systemic support, including but not limited to

1. Adequate diet.

2. Hydration.

3. Turning and repositioning.

4. Reducing shear and friction with movement.

5. Incontinence care.

(5) Sharp debridement is reserved for registered nurses with national certification that included didactic instruction, supervised clinical practice, and demonstration of competency, initially and at periodic intervals.

Ala. Admin. Code r. 610-X-6-.13

New Rule: Filed May 21, 2004; effective June 25, 2004.

Adopted by Alabama Administrative Monthly Volume XXXIV, Issue No. 10, July 29, 2016, eff. 9/8/2016.

Author: Alabama Board of Nursing

Statutory Authority:Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 34-21-1(3)(b), 34-21-2(a) (21), 34-21-2(c) (6).