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  • 1.  Insulin Administration - Subcutaneous

    Posted 07-29-2022 09:32
    Edited by Lauren Sanchez 07-29-2022 13:22
    Hi All, 

    I am looking for some insight as to best practice for insulin administration. The question as to whether or not a medical assistant (MA) can give insulin came up in our clinics. The clinic is in Nebraska. MAs are not licensed in NE but are required to be active on the NE Medication Aide Registry. Insulin is considered a high risk medication, so was curious what other clinics' practice is regarding insulin administration by unlicensed staff. 

    Thank you for your time, 
    Lauren 

    ------------------------------
    Lauren Sanchez, BSN, RN
    Clinical Practice Coordinator

    CHI Health Clinic
    Omaha, NE

    lauren.sanchez@commonspirit.org
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Insulin Administration - Subcutaneous

    Posted 08-01-2022 09:56
    Hello Lauren, 

    Only licensed staff are allowed to provide high risk meds in North Carolina.

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    Gary Brentlinger
    Nurse Manager
    Duke Primary Care
    Raleigh NC
    (919)475-9738
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  • 3.  RE: Insulin Administration - Subcutaneous

    Posted 08-01-2022 10:36
    Is this due to NC state law or is it because of your institution's policy? Or both?

    Thanks so much for your feedback.
    Lauren

    ------------------------------
    Lauren Sanchez, BSN, RN
    Clinical Practice Coordinator

    CHI Health Clinic
    Omaha, NE

    lauren.sanchez@commonspirit.org
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Insulin Administration - Subcutaneous

    Posted 08-02-2022 13:07
    Hi Lauren,

    I work in a hospital-based pediatric endocrinology clinic and previously worked in an adult endocrinology practice. Medical assistants are not permitted to administer insulin at either clinic. Both facilities actually require a "two nurse check" for insulin due to the high risk of adverse effects with improper dosing and administration. I have found that in my state (PA), unlicensed personnel can administer insulin in group home and assisted living facilities, but they must take an annual course in medication administration. I'm not sure if that is similar to the program you mentioned in NE. Here is a link to the course: https://medsadmin.myodp.org/cms/

    My understanding is that it is specifically for those settings and would not apply to clinics, at least in PA.

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    Shaylyn McDaniel
    RN
    UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh PA
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