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3420 - Anaphylaxis Prevention Policy

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3420 - Anaphylaxis Prevention Policy

Policy 3420

STUDENTS 

Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response 

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that may involve systems of the entire body. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment and follow-up care by an allergist/immunologist.  

Affected students may require planned care and support during the school day and during school sponsored activities. Additionally, any student could potentially have a life-threatening allergic reaction even without a history of such. The board of directors expects school administrators, teachers, and support staff to be informed and aware of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and how to handle the resulting medical emergencies. 

Parents/guardians are responsible for informing the school about their student’s potential risk for anaphylaxis and for ensuring the provision of ongoing health information and necessary medical supplies. Staff and parents/guardians need to be aware that it is not possible to achieve a completely allergen-free environment. The district will take reasonable measures to avoid allergens for affected students and take precautions to reduce the risk of a student with a history of anaphylaxis coming into contact with the offending allergen at school. 

The district will also train all staff in the awareness of anaphylaxis and prepare them to respond to emergencies. Additionally, student specific training will be provided for appropriate personnel. 

The district will maintain at designated schools a supply of epinephrine auto injectors or nasal spray. Undesignated epinephrine auto injectors or nasal spray must be obtained with a prescription in the name of the district or school by a licensed health professional within the scope of their prescribing authority and must be accompanied by a standing order protocol for their administration. Prescriptions and standing orders may be obtained from a community Licensed Health Care Provider or through a statewide standing order from the Secretary of Health or designee. 

The school’s supply of epinephrine auto injectors does not negate parent/guardian responsibility to ensure that they provide the school with appropriate medication and treatment orders pursuant to RCW 28A.210.320 if their student is identified with a life-threatening allergy. 

The district will establish procedures to support this policy to ensure: 

  1. Rescue protocol in cases of suspected anaphylaxis will follow OSPI’s current Guidelines for the Care of Students with Anaphylaxis  

  1. A standardized format for emergency care plans is utilized; 

  1. A protocol is in place to ensure emergency care plans are current and completed; 

  1. Medication orders are clear and unambiguous; 

  1. Training and documentation is provided; and 

  1. Each school’s supply of epinephrine auto injectors and/or nasal spray, if any, is maintained pursuant to manufacturer’s instructions and district medication policy and procedures. 

 

 

Cross References:  

3419 - Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medications  

 

3418 - Response to Student Injury or Illness  

 

3416 - Medication at School  

 

 

 

 

Legal References:  

WAC 392-380  

Public School Pupils—Immunization Requirement and Life-Threatening Health Condition 

 

RCW 28A.210.383  

Anaphylaxis — Policy guidelines — Procedures — Reports 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adoption Date:  September 9, 2025