PROCEDURE:
I. Authorization for Self-Administration
Students with asthma or anaphylaxis are authorized, in consultation with WSSB’s registered nurse(s), to possess and self-administer medication for asthma or anaphylaxis while residing on campus, during WSSB recreation activities, and travel to and from campus or WSSB recreational activities. The student will be authorized to possess and self-administer medication if the following conditions are met.
A. The parent(s)/guardian(s) must submit the documentation required by WSSB and the school nurse(s).
B. The parent(s)/guardian(s) provides the medication to WSSB nurses.
C. A licensed healthcare provider has prescribed the medication for use by the student while the student is on campus and the student has received instructions on the correct and responsible way to use the medication(s).
D. The student demonstrates to their licensed healthcare provider and the school nurse that they have the skill necessary to use the edication and to use the device necessary to administer the medication.
E. The licensed healthcare provider provides a written treatment plan for managing asthma and/or anaphylaxis episodes of the student and medication orders. The written treatment plan should include the name and dosage of medication, frequency of medication administration, possible side effects, and the circumstances that warrant its use.
F. The parent(s)/guardian(s) must sign a statement acknowledging that WSSB will incur no liability as a result of any injury arising from the self-administration of medication by the student and that the parent(s)/guardian(s) will indemnify and hold harmless WSSB and it’s employees against any claims arising from the self-administration of medication by the student.
G. The authorization to self-medicate will be valid for the current school year only. The parent/guardian must renew the authorization each year.
H. In the event of an asthma or anaphylaxis emergency, WSSB will have the following easily accessible:
1. The student’s written treatment plan and/or Emergency Care Plan;
2. The parent(s)/guardian(s)’s authorization for the student to self-medicate; and
3. The parent(s)/guardian(s)’s signed release of liability form.
I. Backup medication will be provided by the parent(s)/guardian(s) and will be kept in the Health Center with the student having immediate access to the medication and/or the nurse responding to the location of the student quickly.
J. A student’s authorization to possess and self-administer medication for asthma or anaphylaxis may be limited or revoked by the school nurses and Director of On-Campus Programs after consultation with the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s)n if the student demonstrates an inability to responsibly possess and self-administer such medication.
II. Asthma or Anaphylaxis Rescue Procedures
A. In the event of an asthma or anaphylactic episode, the school nurse will be immediately contacted.
B. For asthma, WSSB will follow the procedures outlined in the most recent edition of Asthma Management in Educational settings. For anaphylaxis, WSSB will follow the Guidelines for the Care of Students with Anaphylaxis published by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. This includes, but not limited to:
1. Managing the students’ school environment;
2. Training school staff in rescue procedures;
3. Accompanying all students exhibiting symptoms;
4. Providing care according to the student’s Emergency Care Plan;
5. Calling 911, if appropriate. If an Epi-Pen is administered, calling 911 is a must;
6. Notifying the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s);
7. Document assessments and interventions;
8. Review the student’s Emergency Care Plan and making changes if necessary.
Legal References:
42 U.S.C. 280
42 U.S.C. 12212
34 CFR Part 104 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
RCW 28A.210.370
RCW 28A.210.310
Related Documents:
Asthma Management in Educational Settings
OSPI’s Guidelines for the Care of Students with Anaphylaxis (2009)