The successful management of life threatening allergies requires a collaborative partnership between the school and families. This section will provide an overview of the roles and responsibilities for everyone involved in the supporting students with life threatening allergies.

Student Identification

• STEP 1: Parent will submit documentation to the school nurse from a licensed physician confirming a diagnosis of a life threatening allergy, medication, and treatment in the case of an allergic or anaphylactic reaction to an allergen. It is required that current medical documentation from the student’s physician be submitted before the beginning of each school year. (Medical orders expire at the end of each school year and new orders are required at the start of each new school year).
• STEP 2:
  • Nurse develops an Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHCP) which outlines treatment directives for the medical staff based upon physician’s orders. Confidential document for nursing staff only.
  • The Emergency Care Plan (ECP) templates below must be from a licensed physician and provide critical information for the care of the student including the known allergen(s), symptoms, and treatment instructions.
    • Emergency Care Plan (English Version)
    • Emergency Care Plan (Spanish)
    • Parental/Guardian signatures and dates are required on the ECP.
  • 504 and IEPs are developed or adjusted on an as needed basis to address educational impact.

Parental Obligations

• Parental notification per the steps outlined in the prior section.
• Parents will provide non-expired medication at the beginning of each school year as prescribed by the physician and replace immediately if necessary during the course of the school year.
• Parents will inform the school nurse of any medical changes that may occur in their child’s health condition throughout the course of the year.
• Parents will inform the School Nurse if their child has experienced an allergic reaction or anaphylactic reaction outside the school setting.
• Parents will provide a safe-snack alternative to remain in the classroom for use during classroom celebrations or school events where food is provided.

Administration of Medication

• Epinephrine Auto Injectors (EpiPens) will be located in an unlocked and accessible location. Every District building will maintain this medication in the main office as well as the cafeteria in the case of an emergency.
• The School Nurse or Trained Epi Pen Delegate will comply with the physician's ECP for treatment of an allergic reaction and/or Anaphylaxis.
• The ECP will be located in the Health Office and may include: current medical information, information regarding the student’s food allergen, signs and symptoms of a possible reaction to the allergen, treatment in the case of an allergic reaction, a photo of the student, and parental/guardian contact information.
• In the case of a severe allergic reaction which can begin minutes after a person eats a food allergen item, Epinephrine Auto Injector may be used as per the physician’s medical orders. If an Epinephrine Auto Injector is used, the student will be monitored closely until emergency medical services arrives and the student is transported to the nearest hospital for observation.
• In the case of class trips and school events, the school Nurse or Epi Pen Delegate will be responsible for carrying and administering the Epinephrine Auto Injector in the case of an anaphylactic reaction.
• Students will be allowed to carry and self-administer their Epinephrine Auto Injector pursuant of N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.3 through N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.6 and Policy No. 5330 if their physician has given written permission on their ECP.
• The School Nurse will be responsible for reviewing expiration dates and informing parents when replacement is necessary.

Per 18A:40-12.5, "the district and its employees or agents or the nonpublic school and its employees or agents shall have no liability as a result of any injury arising from the administration of the epinephrine via a pre-filled auto-injector mechanism"