Meeting of the Board of Regents | May 2008

SUMMARY

Issue for
Decision (Consent Agenda)

Should the Board of Regents adopt a resolution relating to the administration of immunizing agents by registered professional nurses pursuant to non-patient specific orders and protocols?

Proposed Handling

This question will come before the Professional Practice Committee at its May 2008 meeting where it will be voted on and action taken.  It will then come before the full Board at its May 20, 2008 meeting for final action.

Procedural History

The Board of Regents has previously adopted resolutions adding other immunizations to the adult lists of immunizations approved for administration under non-patient specific orders.

Background Information

In September 2000, the Board of Regents adopted section 64.7 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education to implement section 6909(5) of the Education Law, authorizing the administration of certain immunizing agents pursuant to non-patient specific orders and protocols.   The regulation authorizes the Board of Regents to approve additional immunizations to be administered pursuant to non-patient specific orders, based on recommendations made by State and/or nationwide authorities that evaluate the effectiveness and safety of immunization agents, such as the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The Commissioner of Education has recently received a recommendation from the New York State Department of Health (DOH) and the CDC that Herpes Zoster Vaccine (shingles) is an effective and safe immunizing agent for adults.  Accordingly, the Commissioner now recommends that, based on the recommendations of DOH and the CDC, the Regents act by resolution to authorize these agents to be administered on non-patient specific orders in the manner authorized and specified in the regulation.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the Board of Regents take the following action:

              VOTED AND RESOLVED: That effective May 20, 2008, pursuant to the provisions of section 64.7 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, the Board of Regents hereby authorizes the administration by registered professional nurses of Herpes Zoster vaccine to adults pursuant to non-patient specific orders and protocols ordered by licensed physicians or certified nurse practitioners in accordance with the requirements and conditions set forth in section 64.7 of the Regulations of the Commissioner.

Timetable for Implementation

Effective immediately.