COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
P.O. BOX 2120
RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 23218-2120
SUPTS. MEMO NO. 88
April 29, 2005
Informational
|
TO: |
Division
Superintendents |
|
FROM: |
Jo Lynne
DeMary Superintendent
of Public Instruction |
|
SUBJECT: |
Possession and Self-Administration of Auto-Injectable Epinephrine by Students in Public Schools. |
The 2005
session of the Virginia General Assembly amended Sections 8.01-226.5:1 and
22.1-274.2 of the Code of Virginia by adding auto-injectable epinephrine
by students in public schools to the asthma medications that a student may
self-administer.
Effective July 1, 2005, local school boards shall develop and implement policies permitting a student with a diagnosis of anaphylactic reaction to possess and self-administer auto-injectable epinephrine during the school day or school-sponsored activities, or while on a school bus or other school property. The policies shall include the following information:
Written consent of the parent that the student may
self-administer auto-injectable epinephrine and that
the student has demonstrated the ability to safely and
effectively administer the auto-injectable
epinephrine.
Written notice from the students primary care provider, medical specialist, licensed physician, or licensed nurse practitioner that:
Identifies the student
States that the student has a diagnosis of
anaphylactic reaction
States that the student has approval to self-
administer prescribed auto-injectable epinephrine
Specifies the name and dosage of the medication
and the frequency in which it is to be
administered and the circumstances which may
warrant the use of auto-injectable epinephrine
States that the student has demonstrated the
ability to administer auto-injectable epinephrine
safely and effectively
As is the case for possession and self-administration of asthma medications, an individualized health care plan must be developed for the student. In addition, an emergency care plan also must be developed, including symptoms of anaphylactic reaction. A registered professional school nurse must provide training for appropriate school staff in the use of auto-injectable epinephrine as outlined in the Manual for the Training of Public School Employees in the Administration of Medication, issued by the Virginia Department of Education.
Before any limitations or restrictions are imposed on the students ability to possess and self-administer the auto-injectable epinephrine, or permission to possess and self-administer auto-injectable epinephrine is granted, a consultation must occur with the parent. Permission to possess and administer auto-injectable epinephrine shall be effective for one school year. Self-administration of auto-injectable epinephrine must be consistent with the purposes of the Virginia School Health Guidelines and the Specialized Health Care Procedures Manual, jointly issued by the Virginia Departments of Health and Education.
Disclosure or dissemination of information pertaining to the health condition of a student must comply with Sections 22.1-287 and 22.1-289 and the federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, which govern the disclosure and dissemination of information contained in student scholastic records.
Should
you have any questions, please contact Gwen P. Smith at (804) 786-8671 or email
at gwen.smith@doe.virginia.gov