Determining the scope of practice for home care aides

Because of recent fiscal challenges, home health agencies are forced to seek the most cost-effective methods of providing care. Many agencies are attempting to redefine the scope of practice for home care aides, hoping to determine how to best use these individuals in providing high-quality, cost-effective care. A study was conducted to determine what tasks should be included in the aide's scope of practice. The high response rate to this study seems to indicate a great deal of interest and the need to resolve this issue.