7521--Students

SUBJECT: STUDENTS WITH LIFE THREATENING ALLERGIES

Students, parents, school personnel and health care providers must all work together to provide the necessary information and training to allow children with chronic health problems to participate as fully and safely as possible in the school experience.

Particularly for those students with chronic conditions such as asthma and allergies (food, insect sting, etc.) which may result in severe, life-threatening reactions to various environmental triggers, it is necessary that the District work cooperatively with the parent(s) and the healthcare provider to:

a)      Develop an individual health care plan that includes all necessary treatments, medications, training and educational requirements for the student.  If the student is eligible for accommodations based upon the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities Act, the appropriate procedures will be followed regarding evaluation and identification;

b)      Obtain appropriate health care provider authorization in writing that includes the frequency and conditions for any testing and/or treatment; symptoms and treatment of any conditions associated with the health problem; and directions for emergencies; and

c)       Secure written parent permission and discuss parental responsibility that includes providing the health care provider's orders, providing any necessary equipment, and participation in the education and co-management of the child as he/she works toward self-management.

The District will work toward assisting students in the self-management of their chronic health condition based upon the student's knowledge level and skill by:

a)      Adequately training all staff involved in the care of the child;

b)      Assuring the availability of the necessary equipment and/or medications;

c)       Providing appropriately trained licensed persons as required by law;

d)      Providing additional appropriately trained adults to complete delegated tasks as allowed by law;

e)       Developing an emergency plan for the student; and

f)       Providing ongoing staff and student education.

Use of Epinephrine Auto-Injector Devices (Epi-Pens) in the School Setting

The administration of epinephrine by epi-pen to a student with a known severe allergy needing an anaphylactic treatment agent may be performed by a school staff member responding to an emergency situation when such use has been prescribed by a licensed prescriber.  However, a registered professional nurse/nurse practitioner must have trained the staff member to administer the epi-pen and given him/her approval to assist the student in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.

Documentation of training must be maintained in the Anaphylaxis Protocol for Non-Licensed School Staff Members for each affected student.  The emergency response by non-licensed school staff members is permitted under the Medical Practice Act (Education Law section 6527(4)(a)) and the Nurse Practice Act (Education Law section 6908 (1)(a)(iv)) and is covered by the "Good Samaritan Law" (Public Health Law section 3000-a).

Americans with Disabilities Act,

42 United States Code (USC) Section 12101 et seq.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

20 United States Code (USC) Sections 1400-1485

34 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 300

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,

29 United States Code (USC) Section 794 et seq.

Education Law Sections 902(b), 6527 and 6908

Public Health Law Section 3000-a

NOTE:      

Refer also to Policy #7513 -- Administration of Medication

Refer to Protocols #7521P

Refer to Forms 7521F.1 HEALTH HISTORY - Students with Allergies, 7521F.2 - Emergency Care Plan, Students with Allergies

Adoption Date:  February 12, 2008