Is the registered nurse (RN) allowed to delegate preparation of an intravenous (IV) solution bag and priming the IV tube to the nursing assistant-registered/nursing assistant-certified (NA-R/NA-C) or home care aide-certified (HCA-C) in community-based* and in-home care settings?
No. The laws and rules do not allow the RN to delegate preparing an IV solution bag or priming the IV tube to the NA-R/NA-C or HCA-C in community-based* and in-home care settings. The Washington State Board of Nursing (WABON) interprets that these tasks may not be delegated because it involves solutions (prescription) that will be given intravenously via a device that punctures/penetrates the skin. The process requires nursing judgment and may also involve reconstituting or compounding medications.
*Community-based settings include adult family homes, assisted living facilities, and residential homes for individuals with developmental disabilities (RCW 18.79.260).