Delegation of Triage to Paramedics in a Hospital Emergency Room

In December 2004, it was the advisory opinion of the Board that the process of triage by a paramedic falls under the provisions of KRS 311A.170(5)(a) and 902 KAR 20:016 Section 4(8)(b).  This activity should be delineated in the established policies and procedures of the emergency department.  Since the performance of triage is within the scope of paramedic practice and is permitted under 902 KAR 20:016 Section 4(8)(b), it is an act that may be performed under the supervision of a registered nurse, but is not an act that is delegated by the nurse. Further, a nurse is not required to meet the criteria in 201 KAR 20:400 Section 2 (3) prior to a paramedic providing triage.  It was the opinion of the Board that triage, as performed by a paramedic, does not meet the requirements of 201 KAR 20:400 Section 2(3) and 902 KAR 20:016 (8)(a) 1 and 2.