Flushing of peripheral IV with prepackaged normal saline

(a) As used in this section: (1) “Normal saline” means a nine-tenths of one per cent sodium chloride solution that does not contain additives and is suitable for administration to a hospital patient; (2) “Prepackaged” means prepared by a pharmacy or a manufacturer in a sterile environment; and (3) “Peripheral IV” means a peripherally inserted intravenous line. (b) The flushing of a peripheral IV with prepackaged normal saline, in a single use pre-filled syringe, may be performed at a hospital by a phlebotomist who (1) maintains certification from the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians, National Center for Competency Testing, National Phlebotomy Association, National Healthcareer Association or American Medical Technologists, and (2) is responsible for drawing blood and trained under a protocol approved by the hospital. The hospital-approved protocol shall indicate the level of supervision and training required for such phlebotomists who perform flushing of a peripheral IV and include education about aseptic technique and infection control. The hospital shall document and maintain such protocol at the hospital for not less than two years from the date of implementation of such protocol. The flushing of a peripheral IV with prepackaged normal saline shall not be considered the administration of medication.