JHC - Naloxone Policy

NALOXONE POLICY

Purpose

It is the intent of the Acton School Department to prevent opioid-related deaths on school premises. Naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, is a medication that can reverse an overdose that is caused by an opioid drug. When administered during an overdose, naloxone blocks the effects of opioids on the brain and respiratory system in order to prevent death. Naloxone has no potential for abuse and is a non-narcotic and non-addicting prescription medication. 

It is the policy of the Acton School Department that all schools stock naloxone as an opioid antagonist to treat a case of suspected opioid overdose in a school setting. Any person trained may administer naloxone to any person suspected of experiencing an opioid-related overdose. 

Authority 

On June 8, 2021, LD 772 An Act to Permit Naloxone Possession, Prescription, Administration and Distribution in Public and Private Schools was signed into law, which provides for the administration of naloxone hydrochloride in a noninjectable form to students, school staff and school visitors through collaborative practice agreements between physicians licensed in this State or school health advisors and public and private school nurse. Prior to that, in response to Executive Order No. 2 An Order to Implement Immediate Responses to Maine's Opioid Epidemic, from the Governor of Maine, the Director of Opioid Response had encouraged all middle school and high schools in Maine to make naloxone readily available to anyone who may be experiencing opioid overdose. 

Title 20-A Chapter 201 §4009: any non-licensed agent or employee of a school or school administrative unit who renders first aid, emergency treatment or rescue assistance to a student during a school program may not be held liable for injuries alleged to have been sustained by that student or for the death of that student alleged to have occurred as a result of an act or omission in rendering such aid, treatment, or assistance. 

Permissions 

The Superintendent/Principal or designee shall maintain a current standing medical order from the school medical advisor that prescribes naloxone for use by a school nurse or other licensed health care professional whose scope of practice includes administration of naloxone or trained school personnel if a collaborative practice agreement is in place to assist any individual suspected of experiencing an opioid related overdose on school grounds. A school nurse or other licensed health care professional whose scope of practice includes administration of naloxone or trained school personnel if a collaborative practice agreement is in place may carry and administer naloxone on school grounds with a standing order from the school health advisor. 

Procurement of Naloxone 

The superintendent/principal, certified school nurse, or designee will be responsible for the procurement of naloxone. The school medical advisor shall prepare standing orders. 

Storage 

Naloxone will be clearly marked and stored in an unlocked storage cabinet in each nurse's office or other designated area such as with AED. The school nurse will ensure that all other trained staff are aware of the naloxone storage location. Naloxone will be stored in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions to avoid extreme cold, heat and direct sunlight. 

Use of Naloxone 

Follow the protocol for the administration of naloxone for suspected opioid overdose. 

Follow Up 

After administration of naloxone, the person administering naloxone will follow policies for incident reporting. Notify district-level administration. 

Adopted:   April 13th, 2023