It is important that parents of students with diabetes communicate fully with the school nurse about the student's needs in order to achieve the best student outcomes.  If possible, plan to meet with the nurse prior to the beginning of the school year or before the first day of attendance for students starting later in the school year. 

The following forms are required each school year for all students with diabetes;

1. The GPISD Diabetes Medical Management Plan, signed by the parent and physician, or equivalent plan from student's physician, for example TCH Diabetes Management Plan.  This plan must include specific orders for insulin dosages, sliding scales and insulin pump therapy when applicable. 

2. The GPISD Medication at School Consent form OR Doctor Request for Medication at School form for insulin, glucagon, and other required medications. This form is not required if the action plan has detailed medication orders with the doctor's and parent's signature.

3. The UDCA (Unlicensed Diabetes Care Assistant) Authorization Form --(Very Important: If a parent declines authorization for UDCA care in the absence of the campus nurse, the parent will be responsible for all care or be responsible for designating an alternative in the event that the campus nurse is not available.)

Role of the Unlicensed Diabetes Care Assistant (UDCA)

House Bill No. 984 (Care of the Student with Diabetes) enacted in 2005, specifies that each school train one (1) unlicensed diabetes care assistant (UDCA), if a full-time nurse is assigned to the school. In order to protect the safety and health of students, GPISD has chosen to have a minimum of (2) UDCA's trained at each campus, in addition to the nurse. Training of the UDCA's is provided under the supervision of a health care professional with expertise in the care of persons with diabetes.  The UDCA's will provide diabetes management and care services if the nurse is unavailable, for example if the student attends a field trip away from campus.  These services include, but are not limited to, the administration of insulin, or in an emergency, the administration of glucagon.  

Anaphylaxis is a sudden, life threatening, severe allergic reaction, The most dangerous symptoms include breathing difficulties and a sudden drop in blood pressure or shock. Common examples of potentially life threatening allergies are those to foods or stinging insects.  There are other types of allergic reactions such as those to medications or latex. The focus is on the severity of the symptoms and trying to prevent a life threatening reaction.  A person having early signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as; sneezing, itchy or runny nose, watery eyes, wheezing, chest tightness, cough or hives could begin to treat the symptoms at their onset if their doctor recommends an antihistamine such as Benadryl. If the symptoms progress to a severe allergic reaction with; flushed or pale skin, low blood pressure, constriction of airways, swollen tongue or throat and increased difficulty breathing, a weak and rapid pulse, dizziness or fainting it is considered a life threatening emergency and the person must receive emergency treatment with epinephrine, which is usually supplied in epinephrine auto-injectors such as Epi-pen® or Auvi-Q®. 

While Galena Park ISD cannot guarantee an allergy-free environment at school, the district is committed to doing everything possible to ensure the safety of every child who has allergies. For students who have been diagnosed with a known Severe Food Allergy which can cause Anaphylaxis and have been prescribed emergency medication, it is of utmost importance that parents contact their school nurse at the beginning of every school year and at least each time their child is promoted to a new school. It is also important to communicate if the child will be carrying medication or if any changes have occurred. 

Parents of children with known anaphylaxis are expected to provide an individual supply of emergency medication to the campus nurse. It is recommended the student carry one emergency pen on their person and leave one in the clinic as they are prescribed in sets of two (see image below). To assist with a more comprehensive plan of care for the child during school hours, a current Food Allergy-Anaphylaxis Action plan, signed by the parent and the physician and a Request for Dietary Accommodations form must be submitted. For parents of students who experience food allergies, please make sure to fill out the Medical Condition/Food Allergy Disclosure Form as well even if the student is not required to carry emergency medication.

It is important that parents of students with seizures communicate fully with the school nurse about the student's needs in order to achieve the best student outcomes.  If possible, plan to meet with the nurse prior to the beginning of the school year or before the first day of attendance for students who start later in the school year. 

The following forms are required each school year for students with seizures;

1. Seizure Action Plan, signed by the physician and parent.

2. Parents are strongly encouraged to complete the Questionnaire for a Parent of a Student with Seizures. 

It is important that the nurse be familiar with the type and frequency of seizures, as well as any preventative or emergency medications, in order to provide appropriate training to designated staff and to develop an individualized plan of care for the student to ensure their safety in the school environment. 

Students with asthma should submit an annual Asthma Action Plan signed by the physician and parent.  Students who require medication at school (either inhaler or nebulizer) must submit Medication Authorization Forms to the school nurse.  These forms must be completed each school year.  

The 77th Texas Legislature enacted House Bill 1688, which amends the Education Code to entitle a student with asthma to possess and self-administer prescription asthma medication while on school property or at a school-related event or activity.  The bill specified the conditions under which a student is entitled to possess and self-administer asthma medication. 

Please note that a student requiring medication for sports must also register the medication with the school nurse.