Life-threatening infections continue to occur as a result of reusing single-dose/single-use vials for multiple patients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a new Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) report describing at least 10 cases of invasive staph infections (some MRSA) that occurred when healthcare providers used medication from single-dose/single-use vials for multiple patients. Both outbreaks occurred in outpatient settings where patients were being treated for pain. The report serves as a stark reminder that safe injection practices must be adhered to at all times, in all healthcare settings, and even during times of medication shortages. Healthcare providers are encouraged to double check their practices against the CDC’s Injection Safety Recommendations. The One & Only Campaign is a public health campaign, led by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Safe Injection Practices Coalition (SIPC), to raise awareness among patients and healthcare providers about safe injection practices. Click here to read the full MMWR report.
The Medical Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (MOLST) is designed to improve the quality of care people receive at the end of life. New York’s Palliative Care Information Act requires physicians and nurse practitioners to offer terminally-ill patients information and counseling concerning palliative care and end-of-life options. The new law encourages discussions about the goals for care, as well as ensuring optimal relief of pain and other symptoms and a timely referral to hospice. A summary of the new law, FAQs and resources are available online. Further information on Palliative Care and the Palliative Care Information Act can also be found online.
Nursing practice in New York is defined by State Education Law, Article 139 (the Nurse Practice Act), which states:
“The practice of the profession of nursing as a registered professional nurse is defined as diagnosing and treating human responses to actual or potential health problems through such services as casefinding, health teaching, health counseling, and provision of care supportive to or restorative of life and well-being, and executing medical regimens prescribed by a licensed physician, dentist or other licensed health care provider legally authorized under this title and in accordance with the commissioner's regulations.”
This definition authorizes RNs to execute medical orders from certain authorized healthcare providers. RNs may function independently in providing nursing care related to casefinding, health teaching, health counseling, and provision of care supportive to, or restorative of, life and well-being.
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