Question
Can the nursing assistant-registered/nursing assistant-certified (NA-R/NA-C) give injectable naloxone for a suspected opioid drug overdose?
Answer
Yes. Although the laws and rules do not allow the registered nurse to delegate injectable naloxone for a suspected opioid drug overdose to the NA-R/NA-C, the NA-R/NA-C may administer injectable naloxone to anyone that they suspect is having an opioid overdose in any setting (RCW 69.41.095) when prescribed by an authorized health care practitioner. See the Washington State Board of Nursing’s Prevention and Treatment of Opioid-Related Overdoses Advisory Opinion and the Overdose Prevention, Recognition, and Response | Washington State Department of Health Website for more information.
FAQ Category
Nursing Delegation
Audience