Opinion ID: 797785
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: IV Team Qualifications and Training

Text: 132 A review of best practices from other jurisdictions reveals that persons responsible for establishing IV access should have quality training in IV therapy, and preferably possess certification or licensure in a health-related field that includes establishing IV access within its scope of practice. Although Tennessee has always used Emergency Medical Technicians with IV certification or certified paramedics to establish IV access, the previous Execution Manual did not include such a requirement. The updated manual expressly requires that persons responsible for establishing IV access have such training and certification. 133 Best practices in other jurisdictions require that, in addition to the continuing education required to maintain their certification and licensure, IV team members should also regularly practice establishing IV access during execution training exercises. This practice has always been in place in Tennessee, but not in writing. The updated manual expressly requires it.