Texas Board of Nursing (BON) Practice Exam

How does the Texas BON define "delegation" in nursing practice?

1. The ability to assign tasks to unlicensed personnel

2. The authority to manage healthcare teams

3. The process of transferring responsibility for a task while retaining accountability

4. The act of informing patients about their care

The correct answer is: The process of transferring responsibility for a task while retaining accountability

The Texas Board of Nursing defines "delegation" as the process of transferring responsibility for a task while retaining accountability. This definition emphasizes a critical aspect of nursing practice: while a nurse may assign tasks to others, including unlicensed personnel, they still hold the ultimate responsibility for ensuring that the task is completed correctly and safely. This concept is vital in nursing as it involves making informed judgments about which tasks can be delegated based on the competence of the individual to whom the task is being delegated, as well as the specific needs of the patient. Retaining accountability signifies that although tasks can be delegated, nurses must continuously monitor and evaluate the outcomes to ensure patient safety and care quality. This underscores the importance of understanding the scope of practice for both the nurse and the delegated personnel in the healthcare setting. Understanding this definition of delegation is essential for nurses to function effectively within healthcare teams, ensuring that patient care is delivered proficiently and responsively while adhering to regulatory standards.