In order to define an adequate policy to provide for aids and services to students who suffer from allergies and for the purpose of addressing protocol for the administration of epipens/oral medication, the School Department hereby adopts the following policy:
1. Allergy medicines are stored in a secured area in the school’s clinic. If an individualized situation occurs where the physician requires the student to carry the medicine (i.e. Eipen) with him/her at all times, please be advised of the following:
a. The parent(s) and physician are responsible for the training of the child regarding the possible use of the allergy medicine.
b. The parent(s) should be aware of a potential danger to the other children in that area, in the event of possible misuse of certain allergy medications (i.e. Epipen).
2. Upon receipt of a note from the student’s parent and an order from a physician/allergist, the District will permit the student to carry his/her allergy medication so that he/she has immediate access to this medication.
3. In the event that the child carries the allergy medication with him/her at all times, a second medication will be kept in the secured area as a backup for immediate access through the full-time nurse/teacher and school principal.
4. Staff training (including bus drivers and/or bus monitors) for all employees that interact with the student during the school day, will take place to ensure that they are familiar with the student’s disability and are trained to administer the allergy medicine in an emergency situation.
5. Allergy medication is not stored on buses. Therefore, until such time that training can take place, and for those students who do not carry their medicine with them at all times, the bus driver and monitors, in the event of an emergency, will be instructed to call 911, identify their location and continue with supportive supervision until the proper help arrives.
6. A procedure will be established to reassess any changes in the student’s medical needs whereas the District is informed by the parent and the student’s physician. It is the responsibility of the parent and the student’s physician to inform the School Department of changes in condition or medication or any further knowledge of the allergies.
7. A protocol will be established that sets an order of responsibility to administer the student’s allergy medication. As agreed upon, the student will have primary responsibility for administering the medication to himself/herself. However, in the event that the student is unable to administer the allergy medication to himself/herself, the student’s teacher will respond appropriately in an emergency situation.
8. Should the Epi-Pen be administered, 911 and the parent will be called.
9. In addition to the above procedure, both the principal and the nurse/teacher will be contacted, pursuant to established District policy.
10. Should an individual student require additional services beyond the scope of this policy, then his/her condition will be reviewed in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If an individual education plan (IEP) is necessary to deal with a student’s needs, the student shall be subject to the rules and regulations as required to develop an individual plan. It is intended to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to benefit from a public education.
ADOPTED: October 2, 1995