5141.6 Life Threatening Allergies
Adoption Date: 01/22/2009, Revised: 10/20/2011
5000 - Students
Welfare
5141.6 Life Threatening Allergies
The Board of Education recognizes that certain allergies, including but not limited to food, latex, medication and insect stings, can be life threatening and that the School District, in accordance with federal and state law, must work with students, parents, school personnel and medical professionals, on a case-by-case basis, in order to reduce the likelihood of serious, life-threatening allergic reactions in school. It is recognized, however, that the School District cannot guarantee the elimination of allergens from the school environment.
The Board also recognizes the importance of creating an allergen-safe school environment to the extent practicable in order to reduce the likelihood of exposure to offending allergens and prevent life-threatening reactions, including anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that involves the entire body and is characterized by breathing difficulties, a drop in blood pressure, or shock). The Board encourages students, parents/guardians, school personnel and health care providers to work cooperatively so that children with life-threatening allergies can participate fully and safely in school.
It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the School of the child’s life-threatening allergies as documented by a healthcare professional, and to provide the School with as much medical documentation as possible regarding the nature and severity of the allergy, and recommended treatment. It is also the parent’s responsibility to assist school staff (e.g., school nurse, student’s teacher) in development of a plan for the care, management and treatment of the child throughout the instructional day. In an appropriate case,the School District shall assemble a Section 504 Team, including the school nurse, principal, food service director (if appropriate) and student’s teacher, and schedule a Section 504 Meeting to review the student’s health records and to develop an Allergy Action Plan. The School Physician shall be consulted prior to finalizing the Allergy Action Plan and may be requested to attend the 504 Meeting. Each Allergy Action Plan shall be developed on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the child’s individual needs and requirements.
No student with a severe allergy shall be denied participation in any school activity based solely on the student’s severe allergy.
The Superintendent of Schools shall develop regulations to implement this policy in collaboration with the School Physician.
Policy References:
Cross-ref: Policy 3544 (Use of Epinephrine Auto-Injector Devices)
Policy Cross References:
3544 - Use of Epinephrine Auto-Injector Devices