What are caregivers not allowed to do?


Editorial team Published on

Unlicensed caregivers and home health aides are not allowed to perform medical treatments, handle personal finances, or make independent legal and medical decisions for a client.

Prohibited Medical Tasks

  • Administering medications: Giving out injections, IV treatments, or prescription patches without proper nursing licensure or specific clinical delegation is strictly prohibited.
  • Wound care: Changing sterile dressings or treating complex wounds involving prescription creams or antiseptics is not allowed.
  • Operating medical equipment: Adjusting oxygen flow rates, suctioning tracheotomies, or managing ventilators and catheters falls outside their scope.
  • Diagnosing or assessing: They cannot diagnose health conditions, interpret symptoms, or offer formal medical advice.

Financial and Legal Restrictions

  • Managing money: Taking custody of bank accounts, handling investments, managing mail, or taking on large loans and cash gifts violates ethical and legal standards.
  • Signing paperwork: Signing legal documents or acting as a legal proxy for a client is prohibited unless authorized via a formal power of attorney.

Privacy and Professional Boundaries

  • Breaking confidentiality: Sharing a client's private health or personal information with outside parties breaks privacy standards.
  • Cross-boundary behavior: Engaging in romantic relationships, accepting personal gifts, or imposing personal religious or political views is forbidden.