FROM: Theodore O. Will, Chief Executive Officer
DATE: May 21, 2003
SUBJECT: Standing Orders For Influenza And Pneumococcal Immunization
IPRO CONTACTS:
Marcia Wallen-Brinson, M.P.H., Project Leader, extension 422
Charles Stimler, M.D., M.P.H., Medical Director, extension 634
Marguerite Shaffer, R.N., C.P.H.Q., Senior Director, extension 634
We are pleased to provide you with a complimentary copy of the CD-ROM "Standing Orders for Influenza and Pneumococcal Immunization" produced by the Oklahoma Foundation for Medical Quality under contract with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). IPRO recently distributed this CD-ROM to all acute care hospitals statewide. It was produced in response to a CMS final rule enacted on October 2, 2002 which removed the physician signature requirement for influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations from the Conditions of Participation for Medicare and Medicaid participating hospitals, long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and home health agencies (HHAs). The new regulation allows hospitals, LTCFs and HHAs to adopt strategies that have been shown to increase influenza and pneumococcal vaccination rates such as institution or physician-approved protocols, i.e. standing orders, which do not require individually signed physician orders. CMS hopes that this new rule will make it easier for patients in all healthcare settings to receive vaccinations, where appropriate, thereby increasing the immunization rates of older Americans.
The "Standing Orders for Influenza and Pneumococcal Immunization" CD-ROM contains resources that may be utilized by your institution. These resources include an 18-minute video on the use of Immunization Standing Orders, a PowerPoint presentation, a sample Standing Order Policy, a Sample Assessment Form, and other resources.
CMS's new ruling complements New York State law, enacted in 1999, which allows non-patient specific orders for immunizations. Under NY's Board of Regents of the State Education Department regulations, registered professional nurses are authorized to carry out and administer immunizations in accordance with standing orders and protocols. "Non-Patient Specific Standing Order and Protocol Guidelines" issued by the New York State Education Department (NYSED) is also enclosed for your review. This information can also be obtained from the NYSED website at www.op.nysed.gov.
If you do not already have an immunization standing order policy in effect at your facility, we think that you will find this information useful in your efforts to ensure that all eligible patients receive influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations. If you would like any additional information or assistance, please contact IPRO?s Health Care Quality Improvement department at (516) 326-7767 ext 410.