Policy for Authorisation of Independent Vaccinators

Transcription

1 Auckland Regional Public Health Service Policy for Authorisation of Independent Vaccinators Eligibility 1. Health professionals are eligible for authorisation as independent vaccinators if they hold a current Nursing Council of New Zealand annual practising certificate (APC) as a registered nurse. Types and scope of authorisation 2. The Auckland Medical Officer of Health (MOH) will grant the following types of authorisation of independent vaccinators: (a) general authorisation, (b) vaccinators of adults, and (c) limited vaccine authorisation. 3. Vaccinators with general authorisation can provide immunisation services in programmes approved either nationally or by the MOH, for which the vaccinator has appropriate competencies. 4. Vaccinators with adult vaccination authorisation can provide immunisation services in programmes approved either nationally or by the MOH, for which the vaccinator has appropriate competencies. These would not normally include early childhood immunisation services. 5. Vaccinators with limited vaccine authorisation can provide immunisation services only with vaccines for which they have been specifically authorised by the MOH. Initial authorisation 6. Applicants for initial authorisation as independent vaccinators will need to demonstrate that they have successfully completed an appropriate vaccinator training course (VTC), including a clinical skills assessment. VTCs provided by agencies other than WONS or IMAC must be separately approved by the MOH. Reauthorisation 7. Vaccinators seeking to renew existing authorisation (reauthorisation) must undertake an education update for trained vaccinators. 8. Updates provided by agencies other than WONS or IMAC will not be accepted as a basis for reauthorisation unless approved by the MOH. 9. Applicants for reauthorisation will need to provide a self-assessment of their clinical skills verified by a peer, who must also be an authorised independent vaccinator. Duration of authorisation 10. Authorisation is granted for a period of two years 11. It is the vaccinator s responsibility to ensure that they have arranged for renewal of their authorisation prior to expiry of their existing authorisation 12. Vaccinators whose most recent authorisation was issued five or more years previously may be required to undertake a full VTC before being reauthorised.

2 13. Vaccinators whose most recent authorisation was issued between two and four years previously may require a clinical competency assessment by a trained assessor before being reauthorised. Changes in authorisation 14. All authorised independent vaccinators must have appropriate competencies for their practice. 15. Vaccinators must apply to the MOH if an intended change in vaccination practice is not included in the scope of their existing authorisation type. 16. A vaccinator applying for a change in authorisation type must complete a full VTC appropriate to the new authorisation type, or complete a bridging course to meet the requirements of the new authorisation type. 17. Other changes in vaccination practice do not require an application to change or amend authorisation type. Vaccinators are responsible for ensuring that they have appropriate competencies to support any change in practice. Delivery of local immunisation programmes 18. All publicly funded immunisation services listed in chapter 1.3 of the Immunisation Handbook 2006 (primarily the National Immunisation Schedule) and subsequent amendments are considered to be nationally approved programmes. 19. Authorised independent vaccinators can provide immunisation services that are not nationally approved only if approval has been sought from and granted by the MOH. Otherwise, these services can be provided on prescription or under standing orders. 20. On application for initial authorisation and reauthorisation, independent vaccinators must indicate to the MOH which local immunisation programme(s) they intend to administer. An application must be submitted for approval of any new local immunisation programmes. Relationship with Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 21. No authorisation granted under this policy supersedes a health practitioner s responsibility to adhere to the requirements of the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003, particularly with regard to the requirement to practise within his or her scope of practice. Private Bag Symonds Street Auckland 1150 Phone Fax

3 Auckland Regional Public Health Service Application for Authorisation as an Independent Vaccinator Please read the guide before completing this form. Provide details as required, or check existing details and make changes in the boxes provided. Please tick which of the following you are applying for Initial authorisation (not authorised previously Renewal of authorisation (if currently authorised) Transfer or extension of existing authorisation to the Auckland region Section 1: Name Given names Family name Section 2: Contact details The details you provide in this section will be the primary means by which we will contact you regarding your authorisation. Your contact details may be either for your workplace or home residence. Street address Suburb City/town Postcode Postbox Location Postcode Phone (home) Phone (work) Mobile Fax Primary employer Organisation name (if different to the above) Other employer Organisation name (if different to the above) Authorisation app. Version Apr 2011

4 Section 3: Immunisation programmes Approval from the Medical Officer of Health must be obtained if you intend to provide any vaccination services that are not nationally-approved programmes (as listed in chapter 1.3 of the Immunisation Handbook 2006 and subsequent amendments primarily the National Immunisation Schedule), in terms of vaccines provided ages of clients, or both. Tick the option that applies to you I will be providing vaccinations only as part of If so, go to Section 4 nationally-approved programmes I intend providing vaccination services that are not nationally-approved programmes If so, continue below If you will be providing vaccination services as part of immunisation programmes that have already been approved by the Auckland Medical Officer of Health, provide the details below. To make an application for a programme that has not been previously approved, either nationally or by the Auckland Medical Officer of Health. Obtain an application form from Programme Show any change here Programme name and hosting organisation (if applicable) Name of programme manager Vaccines provided Programme Programme name and hosting organisation (if applicable) Name of programme manager Vaccines provided Programme Programme name and hosting organisation (if applicable) Name of programme manager Vaccines provided

5 Section 4: Workforce survey The purpose of this survey is to obtain statistical information on the structure and trends in the independent vaccinator workforce in the Auckland region. We will not release any information that can identify individuals. Vaccination settings Please tick boxes that best describe the settings in which you provide vaccination services General practice clinic Community setting (eg, marae, church) Schools Hospital inpatient or outpatient facility Defence bases Workplaces (other than those already listed) Other specify District Health Boards (DHBs) Please tick boxes to show the DHB areas in which you provide vaccination services (whether or not you are employed by these DHBs) Waitemata DHB Lakes DHB Auckland DHB Counties Manukau DHB Northland DHB Waikato DHB Other DHB specify Ethnicity Tick up to three boxes to show which ethnic group or groups you belong to NZ European Chinese Māori Indian Samoan Tongan Niuean Cook Island Māori Other specify Section 5: Declaration by applicant I certify that the information I have given is, to the best of my knowledge, true and correct. I understand that the Medical Officer of Health recommends I hold indemnity cover for my vaccinating practice, however that this is not a requirement for authorisation. I understand that I must have appropriate competencies for my practice. Authorisation as an independent vaccinator does not override this requirement. Signature of applicant Date Please tick this box if you do NOT consent to your name and authorisation details being made available to your employer (including your Primary Health Organisation, if applicable) for the purposes of workforce planning and planning your ongoing training. I do NOT consent Please tick this box if you do NOT consent to your name and authorisation details being made available to the local District Immunisation Facilitator so that you can receive information relevant to immunisation practice. I do NOT consent Comments regarding your application

6 Section 6: Checklist Please use the checklist below to make sure you have completed all sections of the application form and enclosed all the documents required. Incomplete applications will not be processed and will be returned to you. Application form with all sections completed Photocopy of your Annual Practising Certificate (include reverse side if card-sized) Photocopy of the certificate from your vaccinator training course Photocopy of the certificate from your most recent education update for trained vaccinators Completed clinical skills self-assessment form verified by a peer Photocopy of authorisation certificate issued outside Auckland Completed application form(s) for local immunisation programme approval by the Medical Officer of Health, If applicable Photocopy of vaccinator training course clinical assessment form Photocopy of assessment of clinical practice for vaccinator (if more than 2 years) Authorisation application for: initial renewal transfer Return completed application form and supporting documentation to: Postal address: Vaccinator Authorisation, Auckland Regional Public Health Service Private Bag , Symonds street, Auckland 1150 Fax number: (attn: Vaccinator Authorisation) Help is available. If, after the reading the instructions on this form and in the guide, you are still in doubt about how to complete this form or what is required, please telephone State that your inquiry concerns vaccinator authorisation. Alternatively, your enquriy to vaccinator@adhb.govt.nz

7 Auckland Regional Public Health Service Independent vaccinator clinical competency assessment form For independent vaccinators applying for renewal of authorisation by the Medical Officer of Health Applicant: Self-assess clinical skills for vaccination using the checklist, comment if appropriate, then sign and date Peer reviewer: Review the self-assessment, provide comments as appropriate, then sign and date the form. You can only provide peer review if you are currently authorised as an independent vaccinator Applicant s self assessment Standard 1 The vaccinator is competent in the immunisation technique and has the appropriate knowledge and skills for the task (selected required characteristics) Tick box if standard met. You are equipped to deal with: anaphylaxis other reactions related to immunisation resuscitation spillages (blood or vaccine) safe disposal of equipment Standard 2 The vaccinator obtains informed consent to immunise In your vaccination practice, you consistently: obtain consent communicate immunisation information effectively and in a culturally appropriate way support communication with suitable health education material allow time to answer questions, and obtain feedback keep a written record that consent has been obtained Standard 3 The vaccinator provides safe immunisation In your vaccination practice, you consistently: ensure continuity of the cold chain advise that vaccinees remain under observation for a minimum of 20 minutes after immunisation inform the vaccinee/caregiver about care after immunisations ascertain date of last immunisation enquire about reactions following previous vaccinations check for true contraindications determine current health of the vaccinee use aseptic techniques in preparing and administering all vaccines visually check the vaccine reconstitute vaccines with diluent provided (as appropriate) change needle between preparing and administering vaccine use correct needle size and length position vaccinee appropriately administer vaccine in appropriate site insert needle at correct angle, give vaccine slowly dispose of needles and syringes in sharps container encourage comfort measures before, during and after vaccination Authorisation app. Version Nov.2008

8 Standard 4 The vaccinator documents information on the vaccine(s) administered, and maintains patient confidentiality In your vaccination practice, you consistently: document relevant information, including recall date (if appropriate) in clinical records and vaccinee-held records ensure the immunisation certificate is accurately completed, if applicable obtain the vaccinee s/caregiver s consent to inform the usual provider, if you are not the usual provider ensure all personal documentation is appropriately treated and stored give immunisations according to the National Immunisation Schedule recommendations for age Standard 5 The vaccinator administers all vaccine doses In your vaccination practice, you consistently: plan catch-up immunisation with a minimum number of visits, if required defer or avoid vaccinating only if contraindicated or on vaccinee/ caregiver request Applicant s declaration and comments I confirm that this self-assessment represents a true and accurate record of my vaccination practice Signature of applicant Date Applicant s name Comments Peer reviewer s declaration and comments This declaration is to be completed by an authorised independent vaccinator who has observed the applicant providing vaccinations within the past two years. Name of peer reviewer Phone Name of practice or organisation Reviewer s position in organisation Declaration To my knowledge, the applicant s self-assessment is an accurate record. In my judgement the applicant demonstrates the clinical skills appropriate to a competent vaccinator. Signature of reviewer Date Comments