Brief Description: Requiring the office of the superintendent of public instruction to develop anaphylactic policy guidelines.

Sponsors: Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education (originally sponsored by Senators Honeyford, Pflug, Morton, Stevens and Swecker).

Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education
House Committee on Health Care & Wellness

Background: Anaphylaxis is an allergic hypersensitivity reaction of the body to a foreign protein or drug. Anaphylaxis can be caused by drugs, insect stings, foods, and inhalants. In some cases it can result in convulsions, unconsciousness, and even death. Epinephrine is used to treat anaphylactic reactions.

Under current Washington law, public elementary and secondary schools are required to allow students to self-administer medication to treat their asthma or anaphylaxis, if a health care provider prescribed the medication and the student has demonstrated the skill level necessary to use the medication.

In the 2007-09 budget, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) received $45,000 to convene a workgroup to develop school food allergy guidelines and policies by March 31, 2008. This allows for school district implementation in the 2008-09 school year.

Summary: OSPI, in consultation with the Department of Health, must develop anaphylactic policy guidelines for schools to prevent anaphylaxis and deal with medical emergencies resulting from it. The guidelines must be developed with input from various stakeholders.

The policy guidelines must include, but are not limited to, a procedure for developing a treatment plan for responding to a student experiencing anaphylaxis, the content of a training course for appropriate school personnel, a procedure for developing an individualized emergency health care plan for children with allergies that could result in anaphylaxis, a communication plan, and strategies to reduce the risk of exposure to anaphylactic causative agents. "Anaphylaxis" is defined.

By October 15, 2008, OSPI must report to the School Health Reform Task Force on: (1) the implementation of the Food Allergy Guidelines, including a review of school district policies, training provided to school personnel, and plans for follow-up monitoring of implementation; and (2) recommendations on requirements for effectively implementing the Anaphylactic Policy Guidelines.

By March 31, 2009, the Superintendent of Public Instruction must report the guidelines to school districts and the Legislature. By September 1, 2009, each school district must use the guidelines to develop and adopt a policy to assist each school to prevent anaphylaxis.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate      48   0
House      96   0   (House amended)
Senate      44   0   (Senate concurred)

Effective: June 12, 2008