JLCE Life Threatening Allergies

LIFE-THREATENING ALLERGIES

The Wayland Public Schools (WPS) recognize the increasing prevalence of life-threatening allergies for many students. Some of the most common allergens that cause life-threatening harm include food, stinging insects, medications and latex. The WPS understand the importance to minimize risk of exposure that allergens pose as a threat to students; educate all members of the school community about the risks associated with life-threatening allergies; and plan for the individual needs of students and staff who have been identified with life-threatening allergies. The WPS cannot guarantee to provide an allergen-free environment for all students with life-threatening allergies. The WPS policies, protocols and guidelines aim to: (1) assist students to assume more individual responsibility for their health and safety, as they grow older; (2) optimize full participation in educational programs and all school sponsored activities; (3) and minimize risk of life-threatening allergens to students in the school environment.

Protocols and guidelines for the Management of Life-Threatening Allergies (LFTA) in the WPS will be published, reviewed periodically and modified as appropriate. The Managing Life-Threatening Allergies in Schools document developed by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) provides general guidance in the development of these protocols and guidelines. The protocol and guidelines will include the following information:

1. Registration through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) to Permit Unlicensed School Personnel to Administer Epinephrine In A Life-Threatening Situation. Epinephrine shall be administered in accordance with a written administration plan developed by the Community Health Nurse (RN), satisfying the requirements of 105CMR 210.005 and 210.009 updated annually.

2. Annual district-wide and building-based education and training provided to school personnel concerning the management of student allergies, recognition of signs of an allergic reaction, activation of the emergency response plan, and the administration of epinephrine via auto injector.

3. Discussion of the Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan (AAP) and information around prevention, management, and individual emergency response will occur in collaboration with parents/guardians, health care providers and school staff/providers. Student specific allergy information will be coordinated through the Community Health Nurse or a designated staff member. In certain circumstances, a student’s allergy may require application of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

4. Use of food as a reward or incentive during the school day is prohibited.

5. Children should not share food/drink with one another to respect the dietary needs of children and to prevent potential life-threatening allergic reactions.

6. Food/drink distributed to students before or after lunch (by students/parents/faculty, PTO, etc.) during school hours will be individually pre-packaged.

7. For any event in which food is made available that is not individually pre-packaged, such as curriculum activities, grade-wide events, or field trips, all such food will need to have an ingredient list available. Timely notification of these events to families should occur after consultation with the nurse and approval from the building principal or department head.

8. It is strongly recommended that any food/drink distributed to students (by faculty, PTO, etc.) be purchased directly through the Food Service Department. This is to ensure compliance with state regulations regarding nutritional guidelines, and to minimize food-related allergens.

9. Unless otherwise required by law, WPS staff are not responsible for implementing the Life Threatening Allergies and related protocols and guidelines during (1) school sponsored events beyond the school day that are open to the public (e.g. school athletic contests, plays, concerts or ceremonies) or (2) programs or events on WPS property that are sponsored by various parent, community, and private groups.

LEGAL REF: 105 CMR 210.00: The Administration of Prescription Medications in Public and Private Schools

Approved to put out for public comment July 23, 2018

Policy approved by School Committee September 12, 2018