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Question
Can the Licensed Practical Nurse carry naloxone for emergent administration for a suspected drug overdose to an unknown person?
Answer

RCW 69.41.095 allows the Licensed Practical Nurse to carry and administer an opioid antagonist (such as naloxone) to a person suspected of experiencing an opioid overdose in any setting. The nurse must have a valid prescription, either in the nurse's name, in the name of an entity, in the name of a person or patient, or through a standing order. The nurse may get a prescription from a pharmacist with a Collaborative Drug Therapy Agreement (CDTA) or use the Washington State Department of Health Statewide Standing Order to Dispense Naloxone to get a prescription from a pharmacy. The nurse may also get a prescription in their own name from their health care practitioner. The Licensed Practical Nurse should use the Scope of Practice Decision Tree to determine if specific activities are within the registered nurse's legal and individual scope of practice. For more information, go to the Washington State Department of Health Overdose Education and Naloxone Distribution Website.

FAQ Category
Prevention and Treatment of Opioid-Related Overdoses