G-031 Narcan
Southwest Minnesota State University (SMSU) recognizes that many factors, including the use and misuse of prescription medications or inadvertent opioid exposure, can be risk factors for overdose. SMSU seeks to minimize deaths by using opioid overdose response measures and by establishing protocols for the provision and use of naloxone in emergencies.
Opioid Overdose Response (Emergency Administration of Naloxone/Narcan) Protocol
SMSU will obtain and possess Narcan (naloxone) to be maintained and administered by trained school personnel to a student or other individual if it is determined in good faith that that person is experiencing an opioid overdose.
Trained staff members shall make every reasonable effort to include the use of Narcan (naloxone) combined with rescue breaths to revive the victim of any apparent opioid overdose.
Minnesota State Statute 604A.04 “Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention” allows for “a person who is not a health care professional who acts in good faith in administering an opiate antagonist to another person whom the person believes in good faith to be suffering a opioid overdose is immune from criminal prosecution for the act and is not liable for any civil damages for acts or omissions resulting from the act.” Additionally, in accordance with this statute and SMSU’s Medical Amnesty policy, the individual who is seeking or providing assistance and the individual who is experiencing an overdose have limited immunity from prosecution for drug possession and use.
Definitions
Drug Overdose: An acute medical condition, including, but not limited to, severe physical illness, coma, mania, hysteria or death, which is the result of consumption or use of one or more controlled substances causing an adverse reaction.
Opioid: Opioids, sometimes called narcotics, are a class of drug that includes prescription pain relievers (like oxycodone, hydrocodone, and tramadol), heroin, and fentanyl. These substances can be naturally occurring, semi-synthetic or synthetically derived.
Naloxone: Otherwise known as naloxone hydrochloride or by the brand name Narcan. Naloxone is a medication that can reverse an overdose caused by an opioid. As an opioid antagonist, naloxone displaces opioids from receptor sites in the brain, effectively reversing an overdose.
Naloxone Coordinator: A designated staff person, such as a licensed school nurse, LADC, or administrator, appointed to monitor adherence to protocols outlined within this policy. The Naloxone Coordinator is responsible for building-level administration and management of naloxone and management of naloxone supplies.
Standing Order: The Health Services LPN or other authorized Medical Provider shall issue and annually renew a Standing Order to house and administer naloxone to students, staff members or other individuals believed or suspected to be experiencing an opioid overdose on school grounds. This Standing Order should include the following items:
1. Administration type
2. Dosage
3. Date of issuance
4. Signature of the authorized provide
A copy of the standing order should be maintained in the office of Environmental Health and Safety, as the Naloxone Coordinator.
Naloxone Coordinator and Storage Procedures
To successfully uphold the naloxone policy, the Naloxone Coordinator will observe the following guidelines.
Medication Acquisition
Southwest Minnesota State University will obtain a standing order for naloxone by a licensed medical prescriber and update it as needed.
Naloxone will be secured for each designated school location through appropriate distribution channels.
- Naloxone can be any valid formulation, including intramuscular injectable naloxone, NARCAN applicator, nasal atomizer device, or autoinjector.
- A recommended minimum of two doses of naloxone will be available at each school site.
Storage and Access
Ensure that kits are accessible under these conditions. Naloxone must be stored securely, labeled, unlocked, and easily accessible, in a dark place between 68°F to 77°F.
- Specific storage decisions will be made by the Building Principal and Licensed School Nurse at each site.
- Naloxone should be maintained on school premises.
Ensure that kits are not damaged, past expiration dates, and have all necessary items. Replace accordingly.
Ensure all staff are made aware of the availability of naloxone.
Medication Usage
If naloxone is administered, report the appropriate parties (see “Notification Procedures” below) and secure replacement doses as needed.
Naloxone Training
The Office of Environmental Health and Safety and Health Services will identify appropriate staff to be trained at each school site. This policy permits any individual(s) properly trained to administer naloxone to any person at a school displaying symptoms of an opioid overdose. Training for designated school staff will be conducted annually and will include:
- Signs and symptoms of opioid overdose
- Appropriate administration of naloxone should correspond to administration type maintained onsite (IM, nasal, or autoinjector).
- Activation of emergency personnel
- Notification procedures
- Annual update on substance use from Health Services and University Public Safety.
Notification Procedures
In the event of naloxone administration and emergency response activation, the following people must be notified:
- Director of University Public Safety
- Health Services
- Parents/guardians, as appropriate
Maintenance
The appointed Naloxone Coordinator will keep a log to monitor expiration dates in accordance with internal procedures, manufacturer’s recommendations and any applicable Department of Public Health guidelines. Expired or administered medication units should be replaced to maintain the recommended quantity of onsite doses.
A log will be kept to document who received yearly training. Relevant staff might include:
- Health Services Staff
- University Public Safety staff
- Residence Life Staff
- Other staff and administration as deemed necessary
References
Minnesota State Statute 144.344, “Emergency Treatment”
Minnesota State Statute 604A.04, “Good Samaritan Overdose Prevention”
Minnesota State Statute 604A.05, “Good Samaritan Overdose Medical Assistance”
SMSU Policy G-030, “Medical Amnesty”
Policy History
Date of Adoption: September 4, 2025
Date of Last Review:
Date and Subject of Amendments
9/4/2025 – Creation of policy