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Every time you delegate tasks to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAPs), you're legally accountable for the outcomes. What can you do to reduce your malpractice risk? Here are some tips:

• Assess the patient's needs, the staff available to meet those needs, and the level of supervision required for a UAP to safely perform any task you delegate.
• Know the training and qualifications of the UAPs you supervise.
• Assign the right person to carry out a task, based on his competence and the patient's condition.
• Provide clear directions for the task you want performed. Ensure that the UAP understands your expectations and knows to ask for help if questions or problems arise.
• Monitor the UAP's performance of the task and the patient's response.
• Accurately document the care provided.
• Give the UAP regular feedback, and invite him to share his ideas and concerns with you.
• Treat UAPs with respect and strive to develop a team-oriented approach to patient care.