Ambulatory Infusion Agencies ​

Ambulatory Infusion Agencies are a regulated entity See 902 KAR 20:450 and overseen by the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (KCHFS) Health Care Facilities.

IV Hydration clinics

IV Hydration clinics, mobile or freestanding are not regulated. IV fluid administration, regardless of whether medications may or may not be added, is considered a treatment. Nurses are held responsible and accountable for their decisions regarding the receipt and implementation of patient care orders based upon the individuals' educational preparation and clinical competence in nursing. The nurse’s practice should be consistent with the Kentucky Nursing Laws, established standards of practice, and be evidence based.

As noted above, one of the most important elements in patient care is the medical relationship that exists between the provider and the patient. The relationship is termed the “practitioner-patient relationship” and is defined in KRS 218A.010 (18) & (41)​.

IV therapy is a treatment. Prior to determining and ordering a course of treatment, the APRN must establish a practitioner-patient relationship, see KRS 218A.010(41), and assess the patient by conducting a good-faith prior examination, see KRS 218A.010(18). A Registered Nurse (RN) may conduct ongoing assessments related to the APRN’s course of treatment, using a standardized review document as noted within protocols or standing orders that have been created by the facility/agency/office providing IV hydration services. The standardized review document must be approved by the prescribing practitioner. An APRN may order and stock nonscheduled legend drugs for the specific purpose of prescribing them for the direct administration. JOINT STATEMENT OF THE KENTUCKY BOARDS OF MEDICAL LICENSURE, NURSING AND PHARMACY REGARDING RETAIL IV THERAPY​