Florida Home Health Aide Competency Practice Test

Which of the following tasks is considered outside the scope of practice for home health aides?

1. Reinforcing a dressing

2. Changing a colostomy bag

3. Giving an enema

4. Administering medication

The correct answer is: Administering medication

The task considered outside the scope of practice for home health aides is administering medication. Home health aides are typically trained to assist patients with daily living activities, provide companionship, and offer basic care such as helping with personal hygiene or feeding. They may also reinforce dressings or help with certain medical tasks like changing a colostomy bag, depending on their training and the regulations governing their practice. Administering medication, on the other hand, requires specific medical training and knowledge about pharmacology, potential side effects, and the appropriate doses. This task is generally reserved for licensed professionals such as nurses or physicians, who have the required education and experience to ensure safe and effective medication administration. By restricting this task to healthcare professionals, the system helps protect patient safety and ensures that medications are managed correctly.