Current through Register Vol. XLII, No. 1, January 3, 2025
Section 69-17-7 - Staff; Training and Credentialing of Staff7.1. All employees, volunteers, contracted individuals, and associates of a syringe services program are subject to the restrictions, prohibitions, and requirements established in this rule.7.2. Professional Medical Staff. 7.2.1. The syringe services program may employ, contract with, and use physicians and other licensed health care professionals working within their scope of practice who have received sufficient training and experience in accordance with program policies and procedures developed by the syringe services program.7.2.2. All physicians and licensed health care professionals employed or contracted by the syringe services program shall be actively licensed in West Virginia.7.2.3. The syringe services program must ensure that there is trained staff on duty at all times who are proficient in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and administration of opioid antagonist.7.3. Unlicensed Program Staff, Contracted Individuals, and Volunteers. 7.3.1. A syringe services program may employ or utilize unlicensed staff members, contracted individuals, and volunteers to assist in the operation of the program.7.3.2. The syringe services program policies and procedures shall specify the job descriptions and responsibilities of unlicensed staff members, contracted individuals, and volunteers. Documentation of the responsibilities, training, and other obligations of unlicensed staff members, contracted individuals, or volunteers shall be included in the personnel file of the staff members or volunteers.7.3.3. All unlicensed staff members, contracted individuals, and volunteers shall receive appropriate supervision and shall be provided assistance and directions as to their responsibilities and duties.7.4. Staff Training and Credentialing.7.4.1. The syringe services program shall ensure that all physician assistants, advanced practice registered nurses, contracted individuals, and all other licensed or certified professional care providers comply with the credentialing requirements of their respective professions, obtain and maintain current licenses, and complete all continuing education requirements of their respective licensing boards and this rule.7.4.2. All program staff members, contracted individuals, and volunteers shall complete initial and continuing education and training that is specific to their job function and is consistent with the requirements of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and guidelines. Documentation of all completed education and training courses or programs shall be maintained in the personnel file of each staff member or volunteer. Training of volunteers shall be specific to their job function. Training of program staff members and contracted individuals shall include, at a minimum:7.4.2.a. The services and eligibility requirements of the syringe services program and the harm reduction program;7.4.2.b. Overview of harm reduction philosophy and harm reduction model used the by the harm reduction program and syringe services program;7.4.2.c. The services provided by the syringe services program and the harm reduction program;7.4.2.d. The syringe services program's policies and procedures concerning syringe exchange transactions and other operating policies and procedures;7.4.2.e. Disposal of infectious waste and syringe safety;7.4.2.f. Sharps waste disposal education that ensures familiarity with state law regulating proper disposal of home-generated sharps waste;7.4.2.g. Procedures for obtaining or making referrals for participants;7.4.2.h. Hierarchy of risks associated with sexual and drug-using behaviors and risk reduction practices for those behaviors;7.4.2.i. Education and demonstration of safer injection practices;7.4.2.j. Opioid antagonist administration;7.4.2.k. Overdose prevention and recognition and response for all program staff members, contracted individuals, and volunteers;7.4.2.l. Overview of community concerns and outreach strategies;7.4.2.m. Cultural diversity and sensitivity to protected classes under state and federal law; and7.4.2.n. Completion of attendance logs for participation in mandatory trainings.7.4.3. Program staff members, contracted individuals, and volunteers shall be trained annually on infection control procedures and the importance of reporting occupational exposure.7.4.4. The syringe services program shall develop detailed job descriptions for each program staff member, including contracted individuals, that clearly define the education, training, qualifications, and competencies needed to provide specific service.7.4.5. Upon hire of any new clinical staff member or contracted individual, the syringe services program shall provide orientation as to the person's primary job responsibilities, including, but not limited to, confidentiality requirements, on the first day of employment. Documentation of the completed orientation shall be included in the personnel file of each staff member.7.4.6. The syringe services program shall maintain confidential individual personnel files for every staff member, including contracted individuals. Personnel files shall contain, at a minimum:7.4.6.a. The application for employment, contract, or request to work as a volunteer;7.4.6.b. Documentation of the date of employment;7.4.6.c. Identifying information and emergency contacts;7.4.6.d. Documentation of completion of orientation, trainings, and continuing education;7.4.6.e. Documentation of all licenses, certifications, or other credentials;7.4.6.f. Documentation relating to performance, supervision, disciplinary actions, and termination summaries; and7.4.6.g. Detailed job descriptions.