Asthma Management

Identification of Students with Asthma When registering their child for school and annually thereafter, parents/guardians of all students shall be requested to notify the principal or designee, in writing, if their child has been diagnosed with asthma, has recently experienced symptoms or has a history of asthma, and/or is at risk for severe asthma attacks. Parents/guardians shall provide authorization for the limited release of medical information related to their child's health records in order for the district to provide support services or to respond in an emergency. The principal or designee shall so notify the student's teacher(s), school nurse, coach(es), bus driver, and any other staff with responsibility for direct supervision of the student. Plan for Individualized Asthma Management The Superintendent or designee shall request the parents/guardians of each student identified with asthma to annually submit an asthma action plan developed by the student's health care provider in partnership with the student and his/her parents/guardians. The action plan shall include, but not be limited to, information regarding the student's symptoms and severity, asthma triggers, medications needed by the student, and authorization for disclosure of health information to the district. For students identified as disabled pursuant to Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, necessary accommodations and services shall be identified as part of the student's 504 accommodation plan or individualized education program (IEP), as appropriate. Any student who needs to take prescribed medication during the school day may be assisted by a school nurse or designated school personnel or allowed to carry and self-administer inhaled asthma medication provided that the district receives written statements from the student's physician and parent/guardian in accordance with Education Code 49423.1 and BP/AR 5141.21 - Administering Medication and Monitoring Health Conditions. Students shall be encouraged to notify their teacher, coach, or other staff when they are experiencing symptoms and/or need to alter their physical activity level. Upon request by the student or his/her parents/guardians, the Superintendent or designee may provide information about available medical resources, including school-based health services as appropriate. Emergency Response In case of emergency, staff shall call 911 and administer quick-relief medication as authorized in the student's asthma action plan, accommodation plan, or IEP. Staff shall also continue to supervise the student and contact his/her parent/guardian or other person identified as an emergency contact. The Superintendent or designee shall provide each school site with information regarding emergency management of asthma to post in easily accessible locations. Professional Development Staff shall be provided professional development which includes information about symptoms and common triggers of asthma, ways to reduce acute symptoms, and emergency response procedures. The professional development shall be provided by a school nurse or other qualified health professional or educator who has received related training. Environmental Assessment The Superintendent or designee shall periodically conduct an environmental assessment to identify and reduce common asthma triggers in the school environment, including, but not limited to, pesticides, chemical pollutants, mold, and animal and dust mite allergens. The Superintendent or designee shall communicate with each school principal when local health advisories are issued for high ozone days or poor outdoor air quality so that outdoor physical activities may be curtailed as necessary.