I.    PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy is to set forth the provisions to address the potential risk for anaphylaxis during the instructional day pursuant to Minnesota Statutes 121A.2205 and MS 121A.2207. Districts and schools may obtain and possess epinephrine delivery systems to be maintained and administered by school personnel to a student or other individual who is experiencing anaphylaxis, regardless of whether the student or individual has a prescription for an epinephrine delivery system.

II.    GENERAL STATEMENT OF POLICY

As it is impossible to totally eliminate allergens from the school setting, staff must be prepared to recognize severe allergic reactions, called anaphylaxis, and must have the means to treat it. The District recognizes that some individuals may experience anaphylaxis for the first time in the school setting, and thus may require emergency medication for which they do not have a prescription. It is the policy of Minnetonka Public Schools to provide Epinephrine delivery systems for each school, to be administered by a trained staff member to any individual who is believed to be having an anaphylactic reaction.

III.    DEFINITIONS

1. Anaphylaxis - a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. The reaction may begin within seconds or minutes of exposure and rapidly progress to cause airway constriction or obstruction, skin and intestinal irritation, altered heart rhythm, shock and death.
    
2. Epinephrine - a medication that can reverse the severe symptoms of anaphylaxis.
    
3. Epinephrine Delivery System - a medical device used to deliver a measured dose of epinephrine (also known as adrenaline), most frequently for the treatment of anaphylaxis.
    
4. Instructional Day - for the purposes of this policy, the instructional day is defined as the hours staff and/or students are scheduled at each site.
    
5. Stock Epinephrine - a supply of epinephrine that is not designated for a specific individual. It is to be used for individuals with an unknown history of anaphylaxis who have an allergic reaction.
    
6. Allergen - a substance that causes an allergy. The most common allergens include animal dander, eggs, fish, insect venom, latex, medications, milk, peanuts, shellfish, soy, tree nuts, and wheat.

IV.    REQUIREMENTS

1. The District will develop a plan to train staff to recognize anaphylaxis and administer the life-saving medication epinephrine while quickly summoning emergency care.
    
2. The District may enter into arrangements with manufacturers of epinephrine delivery systems to obtain epinephrine delivery systems at fair-market, free, or reduced prices. A third party, other than a manufacturer or supplier, may pay for the District’s supply of epinephrine.
    
3. The Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Health must provide the District with a standing order for distribution of epinephrine delivery systems under Minnesota Statutes, sections 148.235, subdivision 8 and 151.37, subdivision 2.
    
4. All buildings will stock doses of 0.15 mg and 0.3 mg of epinephrine via epinephrine delivery systems appropriate for their student population. A minimum of 2 epinephrine delivery systems will be maintained at each site and will be available in each building during the hours that are staffed by teachers and during the hours of operation of Explorers. The buildings housing Explorers Club will have it available from 6:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.