State of Connecticut Proposal for PICC

February 4, 2011

Dear Colleague:

I have been in touch with State Representative Joseph Aresimowitz who is sponsoring a bill for trained and competent nurses to place and remove PICCs in Long Term Care Facilities in Connecticut.

We all have a concern when Intravenous Nurses are requested to place a Midline for antibiotics that should correctly be administered through a central line with Superior Vena Cava (SVC) placement. Because of the pH, osmolarity or tonicity of the intravenous antibiotic in combination with the intravenous solution, the administration through a Midline presents a great risk of damage to the intimal wall as the medication enters the vein at that point.

As the bacterial, fungal and viral diseases have increased and spread, so has the strength of the antibiotics, sometimes two or three antibiotics in combination, placing our long term care residents at risk for phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, and/or cellulites when these combinations are administered through a Midline.

In essence, my concern is that without a definitive statement from the Department of Public Health in Connecticut regarding the consent to insert and remove PICCs in Long Term Care Facilities, intravenous antibiotics will continue to be ordered through a Midline.

Your input is critical at this time. Please visit the CGA.CT.gov website for more information about Bill # 5288 (HB 6373) and add your support by e-mailing Joe.Aresimowicz@CGA.CT.gov for this very important change in the care we offer our long term care patients.

If you have questions, I may be reached at my office at 800-992-0027.

Sincerely,

Eve Curtin, RN, CRNI
President/Owner


About Us Services High Tech Employment Education What's New Contact Us Home
State of Connecticut Proposal for PICC February 4, 2011 Dear Colleague: I have been in touch with State Representative Joseph Aresimowitz who is sponsoring a bill for trained and competent nurses to place and remove PICCs in Long Term Care Facilities in Connecticut. We all have a concern when Intravenous Nurses are requested to place a Midline for antibiotics that should correctly be administered through a central line with Superior Vena Cava (SVC) placement. Because of the pH, osmolarity or tonicity of the intravenous antibiotic in combination with the intravenous solution, the administration through a Midline presents a great risk of damage to the intimal wall as the medication enters the vein at that point. As the bacterial, fungal and viral diseases have increased and spread, so has the strength of the antibiotics, sometimes two or three antibiotics in combination, placing our long term care residents at risk for phlebitis, thrombophlebitis, and/or cellulites when these combinations are administered through a Midline. In essence, my concern is that without a definitive statement from the Department of Public Health in Connecticut regarding the consent to insert and remove PICCs in Long Term Care Facilities, intravenous antibiotics will continue to be ordered through a Midline. Your input is critical at this time. Please visit the CGA.CT.gov website for more information about Bill # 5288 (HB 6373) and add your support by e-mailing Joe.Aresimowicz@CGA.CT.gov for this very important change in the care we offer our long term care patients. If you have questions, I may be reached at my office at 800-992-0027. Sincerely, Eve Curtin, RN, CRNI President/Owner