Is the registered nurse RN allowed to perform a point of care polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test without an order or standing order from an authorized health care practitioner?

No. An order or standing order from an authorized health care practitioner is required for the RN to perform a PCR COVID-19 test. A PCR test is considered the “gold standard” for COVID-19 tests as they are more likely to detect the virus than antigen tests. A PCR is regarded as a diagnostic test instead of a screening test.

Medical Test Sites (MTS) | Washington State Department of Health

Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) | FDA

COVID-19 RT-PCR Test - Healthcare Provider Fact Sheet (fda.gov)

COVID-19 Testing: Health Care Provider Resources & Recommendations | Washington State Department of Health

Reporting COVID-19 Test Results for Point-of-Care Testing Facilities | Washington State Department of Health