POLICY STATEMENT
As directed in the electronic medical record, a Registered Nurse (RN) may order certain laboratory or radiology tests prior to the patient being seen by a provider, or in lieu of being seen by a provider.
REASON FOR THIS POLICY
To expedite health screening or diagnosis and treatment of patients’ medical complaints.
ENTITIES AFFECTED BY THIS POLICY
Campus Health Services
WHO SHOULD KNOW THIS POLICY
Registered nurses and medical assistants working in Campus Health Services
DEFINITIONS
N/A
POLICY
1. A RN may order the following laboratory or radiology tests:
a. Screening tests for health maintenance as anticipated for a physical exam with a provider or as a requirement for employment and/or other screening procedure. This may include, but is not limited to: HIV testing, tuberculosis (TB) testing, or vaccine titers (also see NURSE18).
i. The Immunization Coordinator, a Certified Medical Assistant, may order titers as required for vaccine-related tracking and needs under the direction of the Medical Director.
b. Pregnancy/HCG testing.
c. Chest x-rays to screen for TB after positive TST (Tuberculosis Screening Test) or T-Spot.
2. Urinalysis (dipstick or complete), Rapid Strep test and Rapid Influenza as part of Enhanced Triage Visits (see NURSE10).
3. All ordered tests must be appropriate to the patient’s stated needs/symptoms/complaints.
4. The RN will notify the patient and make arrangements for the interpretation and explanation of test results (normal or abnormal) with a RN or provider as appropriate.
RESPONSIBILITIES
PROCEDURES
There are no procedures associated with this policy.
RELATED INFORMATION
Forms or Tools
N/A
Cross-References
There are no cross-references associated with this policy.
Sources
There are no external sources associated with this policy.
APPENDIX
None