SECTION 558.407. Standards for Agencies Providing Home Intravenous Therapy

An agency furnishing intravenous therapy directly or under arrangement must comply with the following standards of care.

(1) A physician's order must be written specifically for intravenous therapy.

(2) Intravenous therapy must be provided by a licensed nurse.

(3) To ensure that prescribed care is administered safely, a licensed nurse must have the knowledge and documented competency to interpret and implement the written order.

(4) Written policies and procedures regarding the agency's provision of intravenous therapy must include, but are not limited to, addressing initiation, medication administration, monitoring, and discontinuation. Responsibilities of the licensed nurse must be clearly delineated in written policies and procedures.

(5) An RN must be available 24 hours a day.

(6) The client and caregiver must be assessed for the ability to safely administer the prescribed intravenous therapy, as per agency written criteria.

(7) If the client or caregiver is willing and able to safely administer the prescribed intravenous therapy, the agency must offer to teach the client or caregiver such administration. The teaching process is based on the client and caregiver needs and may include written instructions, verbal explanations, demonstrations, evaluation and documentation of competency, proficiency in performing intravenous therapy, scope of physical activities, and safe disposal of equipment.

(8) Actions must be implemented prior to and during all intravenous therapy to minimize the risk of anaphylaxis or other adverse reactions, as stated in the agency's written policy.

(9) An ongoing assessment of client and caregiver compliance in performing intravenous therapy related procedures must be done at periodic intervals.

(10) Care coordination must be provided to ensure continuity of care.

(11) The client and caregiver must be provided with 24-hour access to appropriate health care professionals employed by or having a contract with the agency.

Source Note: The provisions of this §558.407 adopted to be effective February 1, 2002, 26 TexReg 9159; transferred effective May 1, 2019, as published in the April 12, 2019 issue of the Texas Register, 44 TexReg 1893; amended to be effective April 25, 2021, 46 TexReg 2427