County School Naloxone Policies

In the state of West Virginia, it is the responsibility of every county school system to create its own policy for administering opioid antagonists (naloxone, or also called by the brand name Narcan). 

Boone County: The county school system doesn’t have an approved policy. (August 2023)

Clay County: Policy 2422.7 – Standards for Basic and Specialized Health Care Procedure- follow code, allowing registered nurses and licensed practical nurses to administer the opioid antagonist to a student, school personnel, or any person on school property during regular school hours. Administration of the opioid antagonist may be given when the nurse believes that the individual is experiencing an adverse opioid event. Any RN or LPN who administers an opioid antagonist as provided in WVBE Policy 2422.7 and W.Va. Code §18-5-22(d) is immune from liability for any civil action arising out of any act or omission resulting from the administration of the opioid antagonist unless the act or omission resulted from the school RN or LPN is gross negligence or willful misconduct. (August 2023)

Fayette County: Policy 5330: Use of Medications- Opioid Antagonists are included under the “Emergency Medication” policies. That means that the medication must be administered by a registered nurse who can then determine the ability to delegate, train, and supervise school personnel to administer it. However, a “diagnosis and order” must be in place, and “parents/guardians must provide all medication for students with previous medical diagnoses along with medication authorization form.” (August 2023)

Kanawha County: Administrative Regulation Series: COS – Opioid Antagonist (Naloxone) Administration: This policy ensures that school employees who wish to be trained to administer naloxone receive the educational materials and training required by the DHHR Standing Order. The policy cites the “Good Samaritan Law” as protection for any school staff from criminal prosecution or civil litigation for administering an opioid antagonist. The Board’s Medical Consultant and school nurses (or designee) keep schools stocked with naloxone. After following the established protocol for administering naloxone, the school personnel who administered it must “immediately report incidents involving the use of controlled substances to the local police department that has jurisdiction over the school’s property.” As is standard practice, the person who finds the person overdosing must call 9-1-1, and the school administrator calls the parents/guardians. (August 2023)

Lincoln County: Policy 5331A– Administration of Opioid Antagonists. The policy requires for a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or trained nonmedical personnel who are deemed competent by the nurse may administer an opioid antagonist to anyone on school property during school or an event. If an opioid antagonist has been administered to a student, the school must notify the parent/guardian. It also requires the person who received the opioid antagonist to seek medical help immediately after the drug was administered. (August 2023)

Putnam County: The county school system doesn’t have an approved policy. (August 2023)