Catheterization

The board authorizes qualified staff to provide clean, intermittent bladder catheterization (CIC) of students or assisted self-catheterization according to rules adopted by the State Board of Nursing.

Employees who are not licensed nurses and whose job descriptions do not require performing catheterizations may file a written statement of refusal to perform catheterizations. Refusal will not adversely affect the employee’s job status or be grounds for dismissal.

Catheterization is permitted under the following conditions:

  1. A parent, legal guardian or other person having legal control over the student files a written, current and unexpired request that the district provide for the catheterization of the student;
  2. A licensed physician of the student files a written, current and unexpired request that catheterization of the student be provided for during the hours when school is in session or the hours when the student is under the supervision of school officials;
  3. A registered nurse provides written, current and unexpired instructions regarding catheterization that states which staff members are designated to provide for catheterization and a description of the nature and extent of any supervision that is required; and
  4. A staff member who is authorized to provide for catheterization must receive training from a registered nurse consistent with the rules of the State Board of Nursing. Licensed practical nurses are trained to provide catheterization as part of their professional preparation and are not subject to this training requirement.

The district and its staff and the staff member who provides for catheterization in substantial compliance with this policy and the rules of the state board of nursing will not be liable in any criminal action or for civil damages arising from providing catheterization. The district may discontinue catheterization service for a student without being liable so long as the affected parents/guardians are given advance oral/written notice.

 

Cross References:      
Board Policy 2161 Special Education and Related Services for Eligible Students

Legal References:  
RCW 28A.210.255 Provision of health services in public and private schools — Employee job description

28A.210.280  Catheterization of public and private school students

28A.210.290 Catheterization of Public and Private School Students — Immunity from liability

WAC 246-840-820  Provision for clean, Intermittent Catheterization in schools

Management Resources:

Policy News, June 2003                Catheterization Policy Update

Policy News, December 2003       Updated Legal References for Catheterization, Facilities Planning and Student Records Policies

 

Adoption Date:  09/19/01

Revised:

Policies and Procedures