Conn. Agencies Regs. § 19-13-D8u

Current through March 14, 2024

Section 19-13-D8u - Intravenous therapy programs in chronic and convalescent nursing homes and rest homes with nursing supervision

(a) As used in this section:

(1) "Administer" means to initiate the venipuncture and deliver an IV fluid or IV admixture into the blood stream via a vein, and to monitor and care for the venipuncture site, terminate the procedure, and record pertinent events and observations;

(2) "IV Admixture" means an IV fluid to which one or more additional drug products have been added;

(3) "IV Fluid" means sterile solutions of 50 ml or more, intended for intravenous infusion but excluding blood and blood products;

(4) "IV therapy" means the introduction of an IV fluid or IV admixture into the blood stream via a vein for the purpose of correcting water deficit and electrolyte imbalances, providing nutrition, and delivering antibiotics and other therapeutic agents approved by the facility's medical staff;

(5) "IV therapy program" means the overall plan by which the facility implements, monitors and safeguards the administration of IV therapy to patients;

(6) "IV therapy nurse" means a registered nurse who is qualified by education and training and has demonstrated proficiency in the theoretical and clinical aspects of IV therapy to administer an IV fluid or IV admixture.

(b)Intravenous Therapy Program Prohibited; Exceptions. The administration of IV therapy in chronic and convalescent nursing homes and rest homes with nursing supervision is prohibited except when administered directly by a licensed physician or as provided in subsection (c) of this section.

(c)IV Therapy Programs in Chronic and Convalescent Nursing Homes. IV Therapy may be administered in a chronic and convalescent nursing home in accordance with the following requirements:

(1) The IV therapy program shall be developed and implemented in a manner which ensures safe care for all patients receiving IV therapy which shall include at least the following:

(A) A description of the objectives, goals and scope of the IV therapy program;

(B) Names and titles, duties and responsibilities, of persons responsible for the direction, supervision and control of the program. Alternates shall be named in their absences;

(C) Written policies and procedures concerning:

(i) Establishment of the standards of education, training, ongoing supervision, in-service education and evaluation of all personnel in the program including the IV therapy nurses, licensed nursing personnel and supportive nursing personnel;

(ii) The origin, form, content, duration and documentation of physician orders for IV therapy;

(iii) The safe administration, monitoring, documentation and termination of IV therapy;

(iv) The safe preparation, labeling and handling of IV admixtures;

(v) The procurement, maintenance, and storage of specific types of equipment and solutions which will be used in the program;

(vi) IV therapy related complications, early recognition of the signs and symptoms of sepsis and acute untoward reaction, and appropriate intervention in a timely manner;

(vii) Surveillance, prevention and review of infections associated with IV therapy;

(viii) The ongoing review of the effectiveness and safety of the program to include problem identification, corrective action and documentation of same;

(2) An IV therapy nurse in a chronic and convalescent nursing home operating an IV therapy program pursuant to a physician order may:

(A) Initiate a venipuncture in a peripheral vein and deliver an IV fluid or IV admixture into the blood stream;

(B) Deliver an IV fluid or IV admixture into a central vein;

(3) Only a physician may initiate and terminate a central vein access.

(4) Licensed nursing personnel may deliver an IV fluid or IV admixture into the blood stream via existing lines, monitor, care for the venipuncture site, terminate the procedure, and record pertinent events and observations.

(5) A log shall be maintained of each IV therapy procedure initiated and made available upon the request of the Commissioner of Public Health. The log shall record as a minimum the following information: Date and time of initiating the IV therapy; name of patient; name of prescriber; description of the IV therapy; date and time of terminating the IV therapy; outcome of the IV therapy; and, complications encountered, if any.

Conn. Agencies Regs. § 19-13-D8u

Effective May 20, 1985; Amended March 8, 2004