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Emergency Administration of Naloxone Policy 5023/6128/7268

Purpose

The Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf (ENCSD) is committed to safeguarding the health and safety of students and staff.  This policy establishes procedures for the emergency administration of naloxone to students or staff experiencing an opioid overdose during school, residential, or extracurricular activities.

Because ENCSD operates a residential program, this policy applies to both instructional and residential environments to ensure timely intervention in life-threatening opioid-related emergencies.

I. Definitions

For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

  • Naloxone: A medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose, including respiratory depression.
  • Opioid Overdose: A medical emergency resulting from the consumption of an opioid drug that can cause respiratory depression, unconsciousness, or death.
  • Standing Order: A physician-approved order authorizing trained school personnel to administer naloxone in an emergency to any individual exhibiting signs of opioid overdose.
  • Designated School Personnel: ENCSD staff trained and authorized to administer naloxone in accordance with this policy.

II. Policy Statement

ENCSD shall maintain naloxone on campus for emergency use by trained personnel to respond to suspected opioid overdoses.  Administration of naloxone shall occur only in accordance with standing orders and applicable law.

III. Procurement and Storage 

  1. Procurement
    1. ENCSD shall obtain naloxone through licensed healthcare providers or pharmacies under standing orders.
    2. Supply shall be sufficient to ensure availability during school and residential hours.
  2. Storage
    1. Naloxone shall be stored in a secure but easily accessible location known to trained personnel.
    2. Storage shall meet manufacturer’s recommendations for temperature and expiration monitoring.

IV. Administration Procedures

  1. Trained Personnel
    1. Only designated personnel who have completed approved naloxone training may administer the medication.
    2. Training shall include recognition of overdose symptoms, proper administration techniques, and emergency response protocols.
  2. Emergency Response
    1. Upon recognizing signs of an opioid overdoes, trained personnel shall:
      • Call 911 or local EMS immediately
      • Administer naloxone as directed by training and standing order
      • Provide basic life support (CPR) if necessary
      • Remain with the individual until EMS arrives
  3. Post-Administration Procedures
    1. Notify the Student Health Center and parent/guardian (for students) as soon as feasible.
    2. Document the incident in accordance with ENCSD procedures, including the individual’s response and any follow-up actions.

V. Residential Program Considerations

  1. Residential staff shall have immediate access to naloxone and be trained to respond to overdose emergencies.
  2. Protocols shall ensure rapid response in residential areas and after-school programs.

VI. Liability and Staff Protection

  1. Staff acting in good faith under this policy shall be protected from civil liability in accordance with NC. General Statute § 115C-375.1 and other applicable laws.
  2. Staff shall follow all training, policy procedures, and standing orders to ensure legal protection.

VIII. Confidentiality

Information regarding naloxone administration and individual medical events shall be maintained as confidential health information, in compliance with FERPA, HIPPA (as applicable), and state law.

IX. Responsibilities

  1. Parents/Guardians
    1. Provide relevant medical history regarding opioid use for students
    2. Cooperate with ENCSD in post-emergency follow-up
  2. Student Health Center
    1. Maintain inventory and storage of naloxone
    2. Train and supervise designated personnel
    3. Coordinate with residential staff for emergency preparedness
  3. Designated Staff
    1. Administer naloxone in accordance with policy and training
    2. Notify EMS and parent/guardians
    3. Document all incidents accurately

Legal References

  • N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-12.7 (Naloxone Administration Law)
    • N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-375.1 (Immunity for School Employees)
      • North Carolina Board of Nursing – Delegation and Emergency Medication Guidelines
      • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232g
      • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.
      • North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) Student Health Services Guidance

This policy shall be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure continued compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and best practices for serving deaf and hard of hearing students.

Policy