Can the licensed practical nurse admit a patient to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) with an order from an authorized health care practitioner without a registered nurse on the premises?

WAC 388-97-1080 addresses the nursing services requirements in a SNF. A SNF may limit the admission of a patient if a registered nurse is not available to perform the admission assessment. The SNF may allow the licensed practical nurse to initiate the admission assessment within licensed practical nurse's scope of practice including collecting information and data without a registered nurse on the premises with the intent that the registered nurse will complete the comprehensive assessment and care planning.