5331 MANAGEMENT
OF LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES IN SCHOOLS (M)
M
The Board of
Education recognizes pupils may have allergies to certain foods and other
substances and may be at risk for anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a sudden,
severe, serious, systemic allergic reaction that can involve various areas of
the body (such as the skin, respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and
cardiovascular system). Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that
may be rapid in onset and may cause death. Policy 5331 has been developed
in accordance with the Guidelines for the Management of Life-Threatening Food
Allergies in Schools developed by the New Jersey Department of Education.
An
Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP) and an Individualized Emergency Healthcare
Plan (IEHP) will be developed for each pupil at risk for a life-threatening
allergic reaction. Self-administration of medication, the placement and
the accessibility of epinephrine, and the recruitment and training of designees
who volunteer to administer epinephrine during school and at school-sponsored
functions when the school nurse or designee is not available shall be in
accordance with N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12 and Board Policy and Regulation 5330.
School staff will be appropriately trained by the school nurse or designee to
understand the school’s general emergency procedures and steps to take should a
life-threatening allergic reaction occur.
The school
district will develop and implement appropriate strategies and prevention
measures for the reduction of risk of exposure to food allergens throughout the
school day, at all school-sponsored activities.
A description
of the roles and responsibilities of parent(s) or legal guardian(s), staff, and
pupils to prevent allergic reactions and during allergic reactions are outlined
in Regulation 5331.
Every incident
involving a life-threatening allergic reaction and/or whenever epinephrine is
administered throughout the school day, and/or at all school-sponsored
activities shall be reported to the school nurse. The school nurse shall
be responsible to notify emergency responders, the Chief School Administrator
and parent/guardian of pupil. In addition, in accordance with the
provisions of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.5.e.(3), the school nurse or designee shall
arrange for the transportation of a pupil to the hospital emergency room by
emergency services personnel after the administration of epinephrine, even if
the pupil’s symptoms appear to have resolved.
There will be
occasions where food and/or beverages will be served as part of a classroom
experience, field trip, and/or celebration. Because the ingredients of
these food and beverage products may be unknown to the food preparation person
and/or server, a pupil with anaphylaxis to food should not consume any food products
that he/she is unsure of the ingredients. The teacher will provide,
whenever possible, advance notice of the classroom experience, field trip, or
celebration in order for the pupil to bring a food or beverage product from
their home so they may participate in the activity.
When a
parent(s) or legal guardian(s) informs the Chief School Administrator and the
school nurse the pupil may have an anaphylactic reaction to a substance other
than food, the Chief School Administrator will work with school staff to
determine if these substances are on school grounds. The Chief School
Administrator will inform and work with the parent(s) or legal guardian(s) and
the pupil to avoid the pupil’s exposure to these substances if present on
school grounds.
School staff
will be appropriately trained by the school nurse to understand the
school’s general emergency procedures and steps to take should a
life-threatening allergic reaction occur. The school nurse will
provide appropriate training to school staff to understand allergies to food
and other substances, to recognize symptoms of an allergic reaction, and to
know the school’s general emergency procedures and steps to take should a
life-threatening allergic reaction occur. The school nurse will work with
appropriate school staff to eliminate or substitute the use of allergens in the
allergic pupil’s meals, educational/instructional tools and materials, arts and
crafts projects, or incentives.
Policy and
Regulation 5331 should be annually reviewed, evaluated, and updated where
needed. Policy and Regulation 5331 will be disseminated and communicated
to all parent(s) or legal guardian(s) of pupils in the school in the beginning
of each school year and when a pupil enters the school after the beginning of the
school year.
N.J.S.A.
18A:40-12.3 through 18A:40-12.6
New Jersey
Department of Education - Guidelines for the Management of Life-Threatening
Food Allergies in Schools – September 2008
Adopted:
13 April 2009