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 auto-injectors 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 auto-injector.

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 auto-injectors 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 Autoinjector- a medical device used to deliver a measured dose of epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) using auto injector technology, most frequently for the treatment of anaphylaxis.
    
4. Autoinjector- is a medical device designed to deliver a single dose of a particular drug. Most autoinjectors are spring-loaded syringes. By design, autoinjectors are easy to use and are intended for self-administration by patients, or administration by trained personnel.
    
5. Instructional Day is defined as eight hours for each student contact day. For buildings which offer before or after school care (Explorers Club) the instructional day will be from 6:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
    
6. 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.
    
7. 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. A plan will be developed to include purchase, proper maintenance and storage of the epinephrine.
    
3. Elementary schools and MCEC will stock two doses of 0.15 mg and two doses of 0.3 mg of epinephrine via auto-injector and secondary schools will stock four doses of 0.3 mg epinephrine for each school.
    
4. Stock epinephrine will be available in each building during the hours that are staffed by teachers. The buildings housing Explorers Clubs will have it available from 6:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m.