PDFWAC 246-826-150

Category C minimum requirements.

Effective September 1, 1988, Category C assistants shall meet all of the following minimum requirements:
(1) Educational and occupational qualifications to perform intradermal (including skin tests), subcutaneous, and intramuscular injections for diagnostic agents:
(a) One academic year of formal education at the post-secondary level. Education shall include but not be limited to anatomy, physiology, basic pharmacology, concepts of asepsis, and microbiology;
(b) The ability to read, write, and converse in the English language;
(c) Possess a basic knowledge of mathematics; and
(d) Adequate physical ability including sufficient manual dexterity to perform the requisite health care services.
(2) Training and instruction. The Category C assistant shall receive training, evaluation(s), and assessment of knowledge and skills to determine entry level competency in the following areas:
(a) Job responsibilities - to cover all areas of the responsibilities to be delegated which include ethical implications and patient confidentiality;
(b) Patient identification process;
(c) Identification of and relationship to licensed health care practitioner;
(d) Procedure requesting process to include, but not be limited to, forms used;
(e) Materials to be used;
(f) Anatomic considerations for performing injections;
(g) Procedures for injections of agents will include readily available written, current, organized information. For each agent there shall be instruction concerning dosage, technique, acceptable route(s) of administration and appropriate anatomic sites, expected reactions, possible adverse reactions, appropriate intervention for adverse reaction and risk to patient and employee;
(h) Common terminology and practices such as medical classifications, standard diagnoses, test synonyms, background information on procedures, interferences;
(i) Physical layout of the work place, including patient care areas; and
(j) Safety requirements including the handling of infectious disease cases and the handling and disposal of biohazardous materials.
(3) Work experience. The Category C assistant should have the following work experience under the direct supervision of a qualified trainer:
(a) Practice technique in a simulated situation;
(b) Observe and perform procedure on patients until the trainee demonstrates proficiency in each drug classification. The time and number of performances will vary with the specific procedure and skill of the trainee; and
(c) Document all health care assistants' training on a checklist appropriate to the facility and the duties and responsibilities of the trainee. This documentation will be completed, signed by the qualified trainer, trainee, and delegator and be placed in employee personnel file. The trainee must demonstrate minimum entry level skill proficiency before certification can be granted.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.70.040. WSR 91-02-049 (Order 121), recodified as § 246-826-150, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 18.135.030. WSR 87-23-022 (Order PM 689), § 308-175-105, filed 11/12/87.]