V. A. 23. Naloxone

NALOXONE POLICY

I. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to establish guidelines and procedures governing the

utilization of Naloxone administered by members of the West Warwick School Department.

II. POLICY

Per RIGL §16-21-35 (2015-S 0154A, 2015-H 5047A),it is the policy of the West Warwick

School Department that all middle schools, junior high schools, and high schools shall provide and maintain on-site in each school facility opioid antagonists. To treat a case of suspected.

opioid overdose in a school setting, any trained nurse-teacher may administer an opioid

antagonist during an emergency,to any student or staff suspected of having an opioid-related

drug overdose whether or not there is a previous history of opioid abuse.

No school nurse-teacher shail be held liable for civil damages which may result from acts or omissions relating to the use of the opioid antagonist which may constitute ordinary negligence; nor shail the school personnel be subject to criminal prosecution which may result

from acts or omissions in the good faith administration of an opioid antagonist. This immunity

does not apply to acts or omissions constituting gross negligence or willful or wanton conduct.

No school nurse-teacher shall be subject to penalty or disciplinary action for refusing to be

trained in the administration of an opioid antagonist.

III. TRAINING

a, School nurse-teachers shall be trained in the use of naloxone by the

RhodeIsland Department of Health (RI DOH); the Medical Reserve Corp

(MRC); or a designee. School departments are encouraged to send other

staff to be trained, including coaches, guidance counselors, custodians,

Teachers, etc.

IV. PROCUREMENT OF NALOXONE

a. The superintendent, principal, certified school nurse-teacher, or designee, will be responsible for the procurement of naloxone. The school physician

shall prepare standing orders.

b. The RhodeIsland Department of Health (RI DOH) recommends that

schools provide intranasal naloxone. At a minimum, each school should

have the following supplies:

V. STORAGE

a. Naloxone will be clearly marked and stored in an accessible place at the discretion of

the school nurse-teacher. The school nurse-teacher will ensure that all other relevant

staff are aware of the naloxone storagelocation.

b. Naloxone will be stored in accordance with manufacturer's instructions to avoid

extreme cold, heat and direct sunlight.

c. Inspection of the naloxone shall be conducted regularly.

• Check the expiration date found on either box or vial.

• Check condition of mucosal atomization devices (considered sterile for

approximately 4-5 years).

VI. USE OF NALOXONE

In case of a suspected opioid overdose, school nurse-teachers or other trained staff shall

follow the protocols outlined in the naloxone training and the instructions in the naloxone kit:

• Call 911

• Administer rescue breathing

• Prepare and administer naloxone

• Alert the school crisis response team

• Continue rescue breathing

• Give another dose of naloxone in 3 minutes if no response or minimal breathing or responsiveness

• Naloxone wears off in 30-90 minutes, which necessitates definitive medical care

• Comfort them; withdrawal can be unpleasant

• Encourage survivors to seek treatment

VII. FOLLOW-UP

a. After administration of naloxone, the school nurse-teacher or other staff, will follow the

West Warwick School Department reporting protocols.

b. The school nurse-teacher or other staff will:

• Ensure that the overdose victim was transported to the emergency department

• Notify appropriate student services

• Provide substance abuse prevention resources to the overdose victim and family,

as appropriate

Policy Adopted:

11/12/15