What Are Private Duty Services?

Article submitted by Metro Preferred Medical Staffing.
For more information, they can be reached at 504-834-9996.

The term, "private duty", encompasses many different aspects of direct patient care. Private duty services comprise a range of skills from Registered Nurses (RN), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and sitters. All of the above caregivers are trained and proficient in the delivery of care according to their licensure and certification.

The primary services provided by a RN or LPN are directed by a physician's order. Private Duty Nursing Services in the home may consist of drawing blood for diagnostic testing, teaching and management of various diseases processes, administration of IV fluids or IV antibiotic therapy, just to name a few. These services are considered skilled and are only performed by nurses. RN's and LPN's are able to perform the duties outlined within their scope of practice and are licensed by the State of Louisiana.

CNA's and sitters may perform certain tasks requested by the patient or family member. These tasks do not require a physician's order and are limited to non-skilled services. These non-skilled services may consist of assistance with the Activities of Daily Living such as bathing, dressing, light meal preparation and light housekeeping. CNA's and sitters are also available to provide respite (relief) care for a caregiver. They are also able to assess vital signs, assist with transfers and passive range of motion. Non-skilled services may be coordinated to take place in the home, hospital or nursing home setting.

Private Duty Services have numerous payer sources.

• Private Pay
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Private Insurance
• Workman's Compensation

Different skills and services are available through some insurance plans. However under private pay, a patient or family member can request any of these services available from the RN's, LPN's, CNA's or sitters.