3419P - Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medications Procedures

1. Students with asthma are authorized, in consultation with the school’s professional registered nurse, to possess and self-administer medication for asthma or anaphylaxis during the school day, during school sponsored activities, or while traveling to and from school or school sponsored activities. The student shall be authorized to possess and self-administer medication if the following conditions are met.
   1. A health care practitioner has prescribed the medication for use by the student during school hours and instructed the student in the correct and responsible way to use the medication(s);
   2. The student has demonstrated to the health care practitioner and a professional registered nurse at the school the skill level necessary to use the medication and to use any device necessary to administer the medication as prescribed;
   3. The health care practitioner has formulated a written treatment plan for managing the asthma or anaphylaxis episodes of the student and for use of medication by the student during school hours. The written treatment plan should include name and dosage of the medication, frequency with which it may be administered, possible side effects and the circumstances that warrant its use;
   4. The student's parent or guardian has completed and submitted to the school a written request for the student to self-administer medication(s) for asthma or anaphylaxis, the health care practitioner’s written treatment plan, and any other written documentation required by the school; and
   5. The parent or guardian has signed a statement acknowledging that the District shall incur no liability as a result of any injury arising from the self-administration of medication by the student, and that the parents or guardians shall indemnify and hold harmless the District and its employees or agents against any claims arising out of the self-administration of medication by the student.
2. The authorization to self-administer medication will be valid only for the same school and school year for which it is granted. The parent or guardian must renew the authorization each subsequent school year.
    
3. The District will keep the following information on file at the student’s school in a location easily accessible in the event of an asthma or anaphylaxis emergency:
   1. The health care provider’s written treatment plan for the student;
   2. The parent or guardian’s written request that the student self-administer medication; and
   3. The parent or guardian's signed release of liability form.

IV. Parents must provide backup medication for asthma or anaphylaxis. Backup medication will be kept in the health room or other appropriate location to which the student has immediate access in the event of an asthma or anaphylaxis emergency during the school day.

V. A student’s authorization to possess and self-administer medication for asthma or anaphylaxis may be limited or revoked by the building principal after consultation with the school’s registered nurse and the student’s parents or guardian if the student demonstrates an inability to responsibly possess and self-administer such medication.

VI. School nurses will provide in-service training on asthma and anaphylaxis for school staff.

Asthma/Anaphylaxis Rescue Procedures

The District shall follow reasonable and prudent procedure as outlined below in the event of an asthma or anaphylactic episode.

1. Call 911, if appropriate.
2. Notify building school nurse or building designated office staff to assist in the event of an asthma or anaphylactic episode.
3. Provide direct supervision of students exhibiting asthma/anaphylaxis symptoms.
4. Provide care as outlined in the student’s emergency care plan.
5. Notify the student’s parent or guardian.
6. Document interventions.
7. The school nurse will review the student’s emergency care plan following a rescue procedure and make changes, if necessary.