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Hudson schools tackle opioid abuse policy

Mar 15, 2017 7:15 am

Jeanette Wolfberg is reporting in The Columbia Paper Hudson school district officials met Mar. 2, to discuss the creation of an official policy to address opioid abuse. The conversation focused on whether to supply the schools with Narcan, an emergency antidote for overdoses. The state Department of Health is urging districts to have Narcan available. An important element of the district's proposed policy identified at the meeting was deciding who, and under what circumstances, would the district authorize the use of the antidote. Of significant concern: How can the policy maximize the opportunity to revive someone who has overdosed, while minimizing the chance of a lawsuit? A school nurse in attendance said nurses should not have to spend their time testifying in court. Michael Needham, the district's risk management consultant, recommended creating a program with a medical director, and a program director for tasks such as completing paperwork and ordering the Narcan kits. The district opioid abuse policy continues under development. Read the full story in The Columbia Paper.