5330.03 - ASTHMA INHALERS: MAINTENANCE AND USE

In consultation with a licensed health professional who is authorized to prescribe drugs, and in accordance with State law, the Superintendent hereby approves this policy and procedure, alternatively termed "Administrative Guidelines," governing the maintenance and use of Asthma Inhalers.

1. Protocol for Use:
   
   The definitive orders for Asthma Inhalers, as issued byA licensed healthcare professional. are as follows:
    
   1. Administration;
   2. Dosage;
   3. Number of Times Used;
   4. Method of Disposal.
2. Locations:
   
   At least two (2) Asthma Inhalers shall be securely stored in the Office of School Nurse location in each school building.
3. Storage, Replacement, and Disposal:
   
   Asthma Inhalers shall be stored, replaced, and disposed of in accordance with the following guidelines:
    
   1. Storage;
   2. Replacement;
   3. Disposal.
      
      The Building Principal andschool nurse are responsible for verifying that an appropriate number of Asthma Inhalers are maintained in the school building and they have not expired.
4. Individuals Authorized to Use Inhalers to Administer Asthma Medication in Emergency Situations:
   
   The following individuals are authorized to access and use Asthma Inhalers in emergency situations:
    
   1. licensed school nurse
   2. licensed athletic trainer
   3. licensed health professional
   4. building Principal
   5. building secretary
   6. teacher
   7. aide
   8. other, as designated by student's IEP, 504 Plan, or IHP
      
      Each school shall have at least two (2) persons trained in the appropriate use of an Asthma Inhaler. Building Principals shall maintain a list of the specific individuals authorized to use, in emergency situations, the District-maintained Asthma Inhalers. The list shall also be available on an electronically accessible site for employees' reference. 
5. Training:
   
   Before using an Asthma Inhaler in an emergency situation, an individual other than a licensed school nurse or licensed athletic trainer, must complete an Asthma Inhaler administration program conducted by a licensed health professional. The training shall be done in accordance with any guidance provided by the Ohio Department of Education. The training shall include how to recognize asthma symptoms and use an Asthma Inhaler to provide a dosage of medication to an individual. The training shall also include an evaluation by the licensed health professional of the employees' understanding of the protocols for the use of an Inhaler to administer a dosage of asthma medication to an individual. 
6. Emergency Situations:
   
   The authorized individuals may access and use an Asthma Inhaler in emergency situations, including but not limited to when an individual demonstrates signs or symptoms of asthma.
7. Emergency Medical Provider Assistance:
   
   Immediately following use of an Asthma Inhaler, the individual administering it shall request assistance from an emergency medical service provider (911). This requirement does not apply if the Asthma Inhaler was administered by a school nurse, athletic trainer, or a licensed health professional. In the event the Asthma Inhaler does not produce the expected relief from the asthma attack, the school nurse shall be responsible for requesting assistance from an emergency medical service provider (911) immediately following the use of the Asthma Inhaler. 
8. Additional Recipients of Asthma Inhaler Assistance:
   
   In addition to students, school employees, contractors, and visitors, an Asthma Inhaler may be administered to the following individuals in an emergency situation: any individual on school grounds who is believed to be having an asthma attack.
9. Reporting of Use of Asthma Inhalers:
   
   Any person who administers an Asthma Inhaler to a student shall promptly notify the student's parent/guardian that an Inhaler has been used to administer a dosage of asthma medication. 
   
   Additionally, all uses of Asthma Inhalers to administer a dose of medication by Board employees/contractors to students shall be reported in writing to the Superintendent. The report shall include whether the school's or student's Asthma Inhaler was used, and whether the student was previously known to exhibit signs and symptoms of asthma.

Nothing herein shall affect a student's ability to self-administer Asthma Inhalers in accordance with Policy 5330 and AG 5330.

© Neola 2016