2018 Maryland Code
Education
Division II - Elementary and Secondary Education
Title 7 - Public Schools
Subtitle 4 - Health and Safety of Students
§ 7-426.3. Policy on use of epinephrine in nonpublic schools.
(a) Definitions. --
(1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
(2) "Anaphylaxis" means a sudden, severe, and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that occurs when an individual is exposed to an allergen.
(3) "Auto-injectable epinephrine" means a portable, disposable drug delivery device that contains a premeasured single dose of epinephrine that is used to treat anaphylaxis in an emergency situation.
(4) "School personnel" means individuals who are employed by a nonpublic school, including part-time employees, teachers and substitute teachers employed by the school for at least 7 days each school year, a school nurse, registered nurse case manager, delegating nurse, and administrative staff.
(b) Establishment. -- Each nonpublic school in the State may establish a policy authorizing school personnel to administer auto-injectable epinephrine, if available, to a student who is determined to be or perceived to be in anaphylaxis, regardless of whether the student:
(1) Has been identified as having an anaphylactic allergy, as defined in ยง 7-426.1 of this subtitle; or
(2) Has a prescription for epinephrine as prescribed by an authorized licensed health care practitioner under the Health Occupations Article.
(c) Contents. -- The policy established under subsection (b) of this section shall include:
(1) Training for school personnel on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis by a licensed health care practitioner who is authorized to administer auto-injectable epinephrine and who has been trained in an established protocol on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis;
(2) Procedures for the emergency administration of auto-injectable epinephrine;
(3) The proper follow-up emergency procedures;
(4) A provision authorizing a school nurse or other licensed health care practitioner to obtain and, school personnel to store, at a nonpublic school auto-injectable epinephrine to be used in an emergency situation;
(5) A requirement that the nonpublic school develop and implement a method for notifying the parents or guardians of students of the school's policy under this section at the beginning of each school year; and
(6) An ongoing process for oversight and monitoring by a licensed health care practitioner of the implementation of the policy established under subsection (b) of this section.
(d) Immunity of personnel. -- Except for any willful or grossly negligent act, school personnel who respond in good faith to the anaphylactic reaction of a child in accordance with this section may not be held personally liable for any act or omission in the course of responding to the reaction.