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Question
Can the registered nurse in a school setting delegate to non-credentialed assistive personnel to mix medications in a nebulizer chamber for administration for inhalation via mask or mouthpiece?
Answer

It is within the scope of an appropriately trained and competent registered nurse in the kindergarten through twelve grade, public and private school setting (RCW 28A.210 Common School Provisions: Health-Screening and Requirements) to delegate preparing a medication in a nebulizer chamber for inhalation via a mask or mouthpiece following the student’s health care plan and the prescribed medication. The order falls within the category of an oral medication whether or not the mask or spacer covers the mouth or the mouth and nose. Medications ordered intranasally are not included in this category. The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission recommends the registered nurse use the Scope of Practice Decision Tree to determine if an activity is within his or her scope of practice.

FAQ Category
School Nursing
Audience