Administration of Naloxone in Schools

This procedural directive establishes guidelines and procedures governing the utilization of Naloxone in Albuquerque Public Schools. The district intends to prevent opiate related overdose deaths by making Naloxone available in its high schools. Naloxone is a medication found to reverse the effects of an opiate-related drug overdose (opioid antagonist).

Consistent with New Mexico law, NMSA 1978, 24-23-1(B,) Albuquerque Public Schools may provide and maintain opioid antagonist medication in its high schools for the treatment of a suspected overdose. In order to provide and maintain opioid antagonist medication, Albuquerque Public Schools must be in compliance with New Mexico Department of Health standing orders. The New Mexico Department of Health Regional Health Officer has issued a standing order that allows Albuquerque Public Schools to obtain, store and administer Naloxone as long as school nurses and non-clinical staff have completed an overdose prevention and Naloxone administration class.

Training

Before any APS employee may administer Naloxone, the employee must successfully complete an overdose prevention and Naloxone administration training and an administrative skills checklist. All APS PED licensed high school nurses and APS School Police shall receive training to store and administer Naloxone. APS trained licensed school nurses may train APS School Police and other volunteer school staff in the administration of Naloxone. The volunteer employee may then administer an opioid antagonist during an emergency to any student, staff member or visitor suspected of having an opioid-related drug overdose whether or not there is a previous history of opioid abuse.

Training and demonstration of skill competence must be completed annually.

Procurement of Naloxone

Procurement of Naloxone must occur prior to the expiration date on the product label. Each individual high school will be responsible for securing replacement product through APS school nurses or Nursing Services.

APS Nursing Services may obtain Naloxone from any entity that is willing to provide it to the school or APS School Police.. This includes, but is not limited to, pharmacies, pharmaceutical manufacturers, medical facilities, health organizations or licensed prescriber. Individual or group donors may pay for medication, but it must be provided directly to the school or APS School Police from an entity licensed to store or distribute medication.

Storage of Naloxone

The school nurse at participating schools will store and maintain the opioid antagonists per the guidelines outlined in the New Mexico Department of Health Standing Order of Naloxone by School Personnel. It will be clearly marked and stored in an accessible place at the discretion of the school nurse. The school nurse will ensure that all trained staff are aware of the storage location.

Use of Naloxone

In case of suspected opioid overdose, the school nurse, APS School Police Officer, or other trained staff member, shall follow the protocols outlined in the Naloxone in School: Training for School Staff and the Naloxone: Administration of Emergency Opioid Antagonist Skills Checklist.

Administration and management of Naloxone shall not be required in circumstances of unavailability of Naloxone, unavailability of a qualified Naloxone administrator and/or uncertainty as to whether an opioid overdose is occurring. Emergency medical services (911) shall be called in all circumstances when Naloxone is administered at a school.

Nothing in this directive is intended to regulate, restrict or otherwise deter a law enforcement officer, emergency medical technician, licensed medical professional or other authorized individual from administering his/her own supply of Naloxone when responding in good faith to a suspected opioid drug overdose occurring on district property.

Liability

Per NMSA 24-23-1 a person “shall not be subject to civil liability, criminal prosecution or professional disciplinary action--- “provided that actions are taken with reasonable care and without willful, wanton or reckless behavior.”

Administrative Position:

Chief of Schools

Department Director:

Executive Director of Student, Family and Community Supports Division
Senior Director of Nursing
Senior Director of Counseling

References:

Legal Cross Ref.:

§22-5-4.3 NMSA 1978
§22-51-1 et seq. NMSA 1978
§24-23-1 NMSA 1978
NMAC 6.12.4

Board Policy Cross Ref.:

Procedural Directive Cross Ref:

NSBA/NEPN Classification: JLDB

Introduced: January 5, 2018
Adopted: January 31, 2018
Reviewed: August 24, 2018
Revised: October 19, 2018
Reviewed: April 20, 2022
Revised: April 29, 2022