Skip to main content
Question
Can the school registered nurse delegate the administration of intranasal glucagon powder to non-credentialed assistive personnel?
Answer

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first treatment for severe hypoglycemia that can be administered without an injection July 24, 2019. Baqsimi™ nasal powder. It is within the scope of the appropriately trained and competent registered nurse in the in the kindergarten through twelve grade, public and private school setting (RCW 28A.210 Common School Provisions: Health-Screening and Requirements) to delegate this medication to non-credentialed assistive personnel. RCW 28A.210.260(5) requires a school nurse to administer intranasal medications when a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse is on the premises. RCW 28A.210.260(1)(5) allows delegation of an intranasal medication only if a licensed practical nurse or registered nurse is not on the premises to administer the medication. RCW 28A.210.330 allows a parent-designated adult (PDA) to administer an intranasal medication for diabetes. A school employee may volunteer to act as a PDA. After an intranasal spray (legend drug or controlled substance) is administered by non-credentialed assistive personnel, the employee must summon emergency medical assistance as soon as possible. The law does not stipulate which types of legend drugs or controlled substances administered intranasally, or specific conditions in which emergency medical assistance must be summoned. The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission recommends the registered nurse use the Scope of Practice Decision Tree to determine if an activity is within their scope of practice.

FAQ Category
School Nursing
Audience