Know the asthma care management plan
Step 1.
What is the care management plan?
When asthma medications are to be used at school, the school's healthcare team should be knowledgeable about the student's asthma history. While the prescribed medications can be documented in a variety of ways, the information should be easily accessible.
Recommended action: Complete the School Asthma History and Needs Assessment (B-1).
Recommended action: Complete Asthma Care at School form (A-6 and A-7) for students identified with asthma.
What is the care management plan?
When asthma medications are to be used at school, the school's healthcare team should be knowledgeable about the student's asthma history. While the prescribed medications can be documented in a variety of ways, the information should be easily accessible.
Recommended action: Complete the School Asthma History and Needs Assessment (B-1).
Recommended action: Complete Asthma Care at School form (A-6 and A-7) for students identified with asthma.
Step 2.
Is the care management plan working?
Assess if students are achieving good control of their asthma.
Recommended action: Complete the "Is the Asthma Action Plan Working?" form (B-4), a tool developed by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program School Asthma Education Subcommittee and published by the National Association of School Nurses.
Is the care management plan working?
Assess if students are achieving good control of their asthma.
Recommended action: Complete the "Is the Asthma Action Plan Working?" form (B-4), a tool developed by the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program School Asthma Education Subcommittee and published by the National Association of School Nurses.
Permit students to self-administer
Under the Safe Schools Act of 1996 (revised August 28, 2009), children with asthma or anaphylaxis are able to self-administer life-saving medications.
To self-administer asthma or anaphylaxis medication, children MUST have on file with the school:
If the above steps are followed, the school incurs no liability as a result of the child self-administering life-saving medication.
Reference: Revised Statutes of Missouri, RSMo Section 167.627
Step 3.
What should be considered ?
Physicians and others authorized to prescribe medications, working together with parents and school nurses, should consider many factors in determining when to entrust and encourage a student with diagnosed asthma and/or anaphylaxis to carry and self-administer prescribed emergency medications at school.
Recommended action: Review the Guidance for Health Care Providers Who Prescribe Emergency Medications (C-2 and C-3) for a list of student, parent/guardian, school and community factors.
Step 4.
Is the student ready and able to self administer?
Recommended action: Complete the Asthma Student Skills Checklist (C-4) and retain a copy in the student's record.
Step 5.
Do the parents/guardians and healthcare providers permit the student to carry and self-administer medications?
Recommended action: Complete the Asthma/Anaphylaxis Medication Self-Administration Form (C-7) and retain a copy in the student's record.
To self-administer asthma or anaphylaxis medication, children MUST have on file with the school:
- Medical history of the student’s asthma or anaphylaxis
- Written authorization from the prescribing health care provider that the child has asthma or is at risk for having anaphylaxis, has been trained in the correct and responsible use of the medication, and is capable of self-administering the medication while in school, at a school-sponsored activity, and in transit to or from school or school-sponsored activity
- Written authorization by the parent/guardian – the parent/guardian has completed and submitted to the school any written documentation required by the school, including the treatment plan
- A written treatment plan for managing asthma or anaphylaxis episodes approved and signed by the prescribing health care provider to address emergencies and the care of asthma and anaphylaxis while in school. The treatment plan should have a statement that the student is capable of self-administering the medication, and be kept in an easily accessible place.
- A signed statement by the parent/guardian acknowledging that the school district and its employees or agents shall incur no liability as a result of any injury arising from the self-administration of medication by the child or the administration of such medication by school staff
- Permission for self-medication is effective for the same school and school year for which it is granted, and must be renewed every school year.
- Any current duplicate prescription medication, if provided by parent/guardian or by the school, shall be kept at a location which the student or school staff has immediate access in the event of an asthma or anaphylaxis emergency.
If the above steps are followed, the school incurs no liability as a result of the child self-administering life-saving medication.
Reference: Revised Statutes of Missouri, RSMo Section 167.627
Step 3.
What should be considered ?
Physicians and others authorized to prescribe medications, working together with parents and school nurses, should consider many factors in determining when to entrust and encourage a student with diagnosed asthma and/or anaphylaxis to carry and self-administer prescribed emergency medications at school.
Recommended action: Review the Guidance for Health Care Providers Who Prescribe Emergency Medications (C-2 and C-3) for a list of student, parent/guardian, school and community factors.
Step 4.
Is the student ready and able to self administer?
Recommended action: Complete the Asthma Student Skills Checklist (C-4) and retain a copy in the student's record.
Step 5.
Do the parents/guardians and healthcare providers permit the student to carry and self-administer medications?
Recommended action: Complete the Asthma/Anaphylaxis Medication Self-Administration Form (C-7) and retain a copy in the student's record.