BP 0112 - Heroin and Opioid Education and Use of Naloxone or Other Overdose-Reversing Medication

I. Policy Statement

The Prince George's County Board of Education ("Board") is committed to maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for all students.

II. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish a process for the administration of Naloxone or other overdose-reversing medication to a student or other person on school property who is reasonably believed to be experiencing an opioid overdose and a plan with the Prince George’s County Health Department (PGHD) to educate the community about overdose- related emergencies and administration of Naloxone or other overdose reversing medication to students, families, staff and community members.

III. Definitions

Within the context of this policy, the following definitions apply:

1. Naloxone – An opioid antagonist used to treat an opioid emergency such as an overdose or a possible overdose of a narcotic medicine. Naloxone displaces the opioid from binding sites in the brain thereby reversing the effects of an overdose. It is a safe medication that can be administered repeatedly. Naloxone can be administered both intranasally and intramuscularly.
2. Opioid – Opioids are chemicals that occur naturally but can also be synthesized by pharmaceutical companies. They slow down the central nervous system, therefore reducing consciousness and decreasing breathing. Opioids include, but are not limited to, illegal drugs such as heroin, as well as prescription medications such as fentanyl, oxycodone, tramadol, methadone and hydromorphone.
3. Opioid overdose – An opioid overdose occurs when a person has taken more opioids than their body can tolerate. Even though it is often due to illegal drug use, it can also result from taking too much of a prescribed opioid medication. The lethal or toxic dose overwhelms the body’s ability to function and can suppress the urge to breathe. Unusually slow or shallow breathing can be fatal, if not treated quickly, making an opioid overdose a medical emergency.
4. School-based health professional - A nurse practitioner (“NP”), registered nurse (“RN”), or licensed practical nurse (“LPN”) who delivers care in a PGCPS setting.

IV. Standards

1. In accordance with school health guidelines and State laws and regulations, PGCPS will obtain and safely store Naloxone or other overdose-reversing medication in the schools’ health offices.

2. In accordance with school health guidelines and State laws and regulations, all school-based health professionals will be equipped to administer naloxone or overdose-reversing medication to a student or other person located on school property who reasonably believes that the individual is experiencing an opioid overdose.

3. The Chief Executive Officer (CEO)/designee will identify and authorize other school personnel, to administer naloxone or overdose-reversing medication to a student or other person located on school property who reasonably believes that the individual is experiencing an opioid overdose.

4. The PGHD, in conjunction with the PGCPS Office of School Health (OSH), will provide training and certification in administration of Naloxone to PGCPS school- based health professionals and other identified staff.

5. Per State law, except for any willful or grossly negligent act, any of the following individuals who respond in good faith to the overdose emergency of a student or other person in accordance with this policy and its administrative procedure may not be held personally liable for any act or omission while responding to the emergency:

   1. a school nurse;

   2. other school-based health professionals who are licensed or certified to practice a health occupation under the Health Occupations Article; or

   3. other identified PGCPS personnel.

6. PGCPS will develop a plan for educating students and staff on the signs and symptoms of opioid overdose, the availability of naloxone on school property, and how suspected overdoses should be reported.
7. At the beginning of each school year, PGCPS shall notify parents/guardians of the availability of Naloxone or other overdose-reversing medication at each school.
8. PGCPS will work in collaboration with the PGHD to develop and implement a community educational action plan to educate the community about overdose-related emergencies and administration of Naloxone or other overdose reversing medication to students, families, staff and community members.

V. Implementation and Responsibilities

The CEO is authorized to develop administrative procedures to implement this policy.

VI. References

A.     Legal

Education Article §§ 7-401, 7-411 and 7-426.5, Md. Code Ann.,
Health-General Article §§ 13-3101, et seq., Md. Code Ann.

VII. History

ADOPTED: 04/27/2023

REVIEWED:

AMENDED:

EFFECTIVE: 07/01/2023

About This Policy

Updated April 27, 2023

Effective July 1, 2023

Documents

Board Policy 0112 - Heroin and Opioid Education and Use of Naloxone or Other Overdose-Reversing Medication.pdf