Does the CIWA-Ar or the SSA need to be conducted by medical personnel?
Neither the CIWA-Ar nor the SSA requires medical training to administer. The SSA does require the ability to determine pulse rate and temperature. If your agency’s current practice is to evaluate more detailed vital sign conditions, this can be continued. However, documentation available on the CIWA-Ar suggests that while vital sign monitoring may be necessary in the treatment of withdrawal symptoms, it is not necessary in determining placement. Please refer to HFS 75 for specific staffing and personnel requirments. Return to the top of the list.
