Effective September 1, 1988, Category A assistants shall meet all of the following minimum requirements:

(1) Educational and occupational qualifications to perform venous and capillary invasive procedures for blood withdrawal:

(a) High school education or its equivalent;

(b) The ability to read, write, and converse in the English language; and

(c) Adequate physical ability, including sufficient manual dexterity to perform the requisite health care services.

(2) Training and instruction. The Category A assistant shall receive training, evaluation(s), and assessment of knowledge and skills to determine entry level competency in the following areas:

(a) Job responsibilities - to cover all areas of the responsibilities to be delegated which include ethical implications and patient confidentiality;

(b) Patient identification process;

(c) Identification of and relationship to licensed health care practitioner;

(d) Procedure requesting process, including forms used, accessing process, and collection patterns;

(e) Materials to be used;

(f) Anatomic considerations for performing such functions as venipuncture, capillary finger collection, heel sticks;

(g) Procedural standards and techniques for blood collection;

(h) Common terminology and practices such as medical classifications, standard diagnoses, test synonyms, background information on procedures, interferences;

(i) Physical layout of the work place, including patient care areas; and

(j) Safety requirements including the handling of infectious disease cases and the handling and disposal of biohazardous materials.

(3) Work experience. The Category A assistant should have the following work experience under the direct supervision of a qualified trainer:

(a) Practice technique in a simulated situation;

(b) Observe and perform procedures on patients until the trainee demonstrates proficiency to be certified at the minimum entry level of competency. The time and number of performances will vary with the specific procedure and skill of the trainee; and

(c) Document all training on a checklist appropriate to the facility and the duties and responsibilities of the trainee. This will be completed, signed by the qualified trainer, trainee and delegator and be placed in employee personnel file.