Open Forum

Hello all, is anyone currently administrating methotrexate injections in an PCP office setting specifically to pediatric patients with a dx of RA? If so, who administers the medication and is there certification required or is that organization dependent? How does USP 800 factor into this? Thank you.

Tracy Colburn, DNP, MSN, RN

Provider Practice Support Team

207-351-3572

York Hospital

Hello, Tracy!

We often see sites who provide a limited number of hazardous agents and/or infrequent dosing of hazardous drug administration use the ONS Fundamentals of Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Administration course as their baseline education. 

There is no certification for chemotherapy/immunotherapy administration.  The Fundamentals course (referenced above) results in an ONS Provider Card.  The more advanced course, ONS/ONCC Chemotherapy Immunotherapy Certificate Course, results in an ONS Provider Card and an added certificate of qualification from ONCC.  There is a short animation on both pages that explains the differences between the courses and helps you decide which one is right for your group.

ONS also has a Learning Library with a collection of resources about safe handling to promote compliance with USP 800.  Safe Handling of Hazardous Drugs Learning Library | ONS. 

I hope you find this helpful!

Jaime