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Emergency Epinephrine AutoInjector Devices Policy 5024/6127/7266

Purpose

The Eastern North Carolina School for the Deaf (ENCSD) is committed to ensuring the health and safety of students who may experience anaphylaxis or other severe allergic reactions.  This policy establishes procedures for procurement, storage, administration, and management of epinephrine auto-injectors for use in emergencies during instructional, extracurricular, and residential activities.

Because ENCSD is a residential school, this policy applies to both school and residential settings to ensure rapid response in life-threatening situations.

I. Definitions

For the purposes of this policy, the following definitions apply:

  • Anaphylaxis: A severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly and requires immediate intervention.
  • Epinephrine Auto-Injector: A pre-measured, single-use device for the administration of epinephrine in the event of anaphylaxis.
  • Student-Specific Epinephrine Order: A written order from a licensed healthcare provider authorizing administration of epinephrine for a particular student.
  • Standing Order: A physician authorized order allowing trained school personnel to administer epinephrine to any student exhibiting symptoms of anaphylaxis when a student-specific order is not on file.
  • Designated School Personnel – ENCSD staff who are trained and authorized to administer epinephrine under this policy.

 

 

II. Policy Statement

ENCSD shall maintain emergency epinephrine auto-injectors on campus for use by trained personnel to respond to students experiencing anaphylaxis.  Administration of epinephrine shall be performed in accordance with student-specific or standing orders, applicable law, and professional standards.

III. Procurement and Storage 

  1. Procurement
    1. ENCSD shall maintain a supply of epinephrine auto-injectors for:
      • Students with known severe allergies
      • Emergency use under standing orders
    2. Orders shall be obtained through licensed healthcare providers or pharmacies
  2. Storage
    1. Epinephrine shall be stored:
      • In a secure, accessible location known to staff
      • At the temperature range specified by the manufacturer
      • Separated from other medications to ensure immediate access in an emergency
    2. Storage locations shall be clearly labeled and communicated to trained personnel

IV. Administration Procedures

  1. Authorization
    1. Epinephrine may be administered:
      • To a student with a student-specific order; or
      • To any student showing signs of anaphylaxis under a standing order
  2. Trained Personnel
    1. Only designated personnel who have received training in recognition of anaphylaxis and proper epinephrine administration may administer the medication.
    2. Training shall be updated regularly in accordance with NCDPI and state guidance.
  3. Emergency Response
    1. Following administration, staff shall:
      • Call 911 or local EMS immediately
      • Notify the school nurse and parent/guardian
      • Remain with the student until EMS arrives
      • Document the event in accordance with ENCSD procedures

V. Documentation

  1. All administrations shall be documented with:
    1. Student name
    2. Date and time of administration
    3. Symptoms observed
    4. Personnel administering medication
  2. Documentation shall be maintained in the student’s health record and reported to the parent/guardian.

VI. Residential Program Considerations

Because ENCSD operates a residential program:

  • Trained residential staff shall have immediate access to emergency epinephrine auto-injectors
  • Protocols shall ensure rapid response to any student experiencing anaphylaxis in residential or after-hours settings.

VII. Liability and Staff Protection

Designated staff acting in good faith under this policy shall be protected from civil liability consistent with state law, including N.C. General Statute § 115C-375.1.

VIII. Confidentiality

Information regarding student allergies and epinephrine administration shall be treated as confidential health information, in compliance with FERPA, HIPPA (as applicable), and state law.

IX. Responsibilities

  1. Parents/Guardians
    1. Provide medical documentation of known allergies
    2. Submit student-specific epinephrine orders
    3. Update ENCSD regarding changes in medical status
  2. Student Health Center
    1. Maintain inventory and storage of epinephrine
    2. Train and supervise designated personnel
    3. Coordinate with residential staff for emergency preparedness
  3. Designated Staff
    1. Administer epinephrine in accordance with policy and training
    2. Notify EMS and parent/guardians
    3. Document all incidents accurately

Legal References

  • N.C. Gen. Stat. § 115C-375.1 (Immunity for School Employees)
    • N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-21.13 (Emergency Medical Care)
      • North Carolina Board of Nursing – Delegation Guidelines
      • Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. § 1232g
      • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq.
      • North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) Student Health Services Guidelines

This policy shall be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure continued compliance with all applicable laws, regulations, and best practices for serving deaf and hard of hearing students.

Policy