Is the school registered nurse (RN) allowed to delegate performance of a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) COVID-19 test in public and private schools, Kindergarten-Twelve (K-12) grades, to non-credentialed staff?

Yes. The school RN is allowed to delegate performance of a PCR if there is an order or standing order from an authorized health care practitioner in public and private schools, Kindergarten-Twelve (K-12) grades to non-credentialed staff. 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