Managing Severe Allergies in School

Updated: Sept. 8, 2009

Allergy & Asthma Support Group of Central New Jersey

· NJ Guidelines for the Management of Life Threatening Food Allergies in Schools (PDF)

· NJ Training Protocols for the Emergency Administration of Epinephrine (PDF)

· Frequently Asked Questions about P.L. 2007, C.57 (PDF), regarding the management of students at risk for anaphylaxis in both public and private schools

· Sample School Polices

· Diocese of Metuchen (PDF)

· School District of the Chathams

· 5331—Anaphylaxis to Food and Other Substances (PDF)

· 5331A (Regulation) - Anaphylaxis to Food and Other Substances (K—5) (PDF)

· 5331B (Regulation ) - Anaphylaxis to Food and Other Substances (6—12) (PDF)

Text of P.L. 2007, c. 57, which amends P.L. 1993, c. 308 and amends and supplements P.L. 1997, c. 368 regarding delegates and the administration of epinephrine in NJ schools, both public and private:

Key points of P.L. 2007, c. 57:

1. Clarifies issues pertaining to self-administration of epinephrine.

2. Replaces reference to “epi-pen” with “pre-filled auto-injector mechanism” in recognition of the fact that there are a variety of injectable epinephrine devices on the market.

3. Requires designation and training of employee volunteers to administer epinephrine to a student for anaphylaxis in emergency situations when the nurse is not physically present at the scene.

4. Requires that epinephrine be readily accessible by the school nurse and designees.

5. Requires that the school nurse or a designee be promptly available on site at the school and school-sponsored functions in the event of an allergic reaction.

6. Provides that neither permission to self-administer medication, a coexisting diagnosis of asthma, or prescription for epinephrine coupled with another medication i.e., antihistamine, should preclude delegation of administration of epinephrine in an emergency.

7. Directs Department of Education and the Department of Health and Senior Services to jointly develop training protocols in effort to assist school nurses in the delegation process.

8. Requires that the pupil be transported to the hospital by emergency medical services personnel following the administration of epinephrine for anaphylaxis, even if the student’s symptoms appear to have resolved.

9. Requires the Department of Education, in consultation with the Department of Health and Senior Services, appropriate medical experts and professional organizations representing school nurses, principals, teachers, and the food allergy community, to develop and disseminate guidelines for the development of school policies on the management of food allergies in the school setting and the emergency administration of epinephrine for anaphylaxis.

10. Directs each board of education and nonpublic school to implement the guidelines established by the Department.

11. Addresses issues concerning liability.