New Asthma Bill Affects Student Self Administration of Asthma Inhalers and Emergency Medications

The State Legislature passed SS Bill #5841 that changes how students can self-administer asthma inhalers and emergency medications while at school, during school-sponsored events, or in transit to and from school or these school-sponsored events.

These are the changes:

Ø Parent/guardians must submit documentation to the school, including a treatment plan for the use of the inhaler or emergency medication.*

Ø The student must demonstrate to the Health Care Practitioner (MD, DO, ARNP, etc.) the skill level necessary to use the medication and any associated devices needed to administer the medication as prescribed.

Ø The student must demonstrate these same skills to a district registered nurse before being allowed to use the medications at school.

There are also some changes in how “back-up” emergency medication is stored on-site for students.

Please contact your building nurse BEFORE the first day of school to address these changes.

Thank you,

Health Services

Edmonds School District

*The medication forms are available at your school buildings.