It is the policy of the Seattle School Board to expect school administrators, educators, and support staff to be informed and aware of life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and how to respond to the resulting medical emergencies.

Anaphylaxis is a life-threatening allergic reaction that may involve systems of the entire body. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment and may require follow-up care by an appropriate health care provider. Some common life-threatening allergens are peanuts, tree nuts, fish, dairy, bee or other insect stings, latex, and some medications. Affected students require planned care and support during the school day and during school sponsored activities. Avoiding the allergen is the only way to prevent anaphylaxis. Additionally, any student could potentially have a life-threatening allergic reaction even without a history of such.

Consistent with state law and Board Policy No. 3413, Student Immunization and Life-Threatening Health Conditions, each student with a life-threatening health condition, such as potential for anaphylaxis as defined above, shall present a medication or treatment order addressing the condition prior to their attendance at school for development of a nursing plan by the registered nurse.

Parents/guardians/emancipated students are responsible for informing the school about their student’s potential risk for anaphylaxis and for ensuring the provision of ongoing health information and necessary medical supplies. The District will take reasonable measures to avoid allergens for affected students. The District will also train all staff in the awareness of anaphylaxis and prepare them to respond to emergencies. Additionally, student specific training will be provided for appropriate personnel. The plan shall be distributed to appropriate staff based on the students’ needs and the staffs’ level of interaction with the student as determined in the health plan.

Even with the District’s best efforts, staff and parents/guardians need to be aware that it is not possible to achieve a completely allergen-free environment. However, the District will take reasonable precautions to reduce the risk of exposure to allergens for students with a history of anaphylaxis.

The District may maintain at designated school locations a supply of epinephrine or nasal spray based on the number of students enrolled at the school. Undesignated epinephrine or nasal spray must be obtained with a prescription in the name of the school by a licensed health professional within the scope of their prescribing authority and must be accompanied by a standing order protocol for their administration. Prescriptions and standing orders may be obtained from a community Licensed Health Care Provider or through a statewide standing order from the Secretary of Health or designee.

In the event a student with a current prescription for epinephrine on file at the school experiences an anaphylactic event, the school nurse or designated trained school personnel may use the school supply of epinephrine to respond if the student’s supply is not immediately available. In the event a student without a current prescription for epinephrine on file with the school or a student with undiagnosed anaphylaxis experiences an anaphylactic event, the school nurse may utilize the school supply of epinephrine to respond under the standing order protocol according to RCW 28A.210.380 and RCW 28A.210.383.  

The school’s supply of epinephrine auto injectors or nasal spray does not negate parent/guardian responsibility to ensure that they provide the school with appropriate medication and treatment orders pursuant to RCW 28A.210.320 if their student is identified with a life-threatening allergy. The Superintendent is authorized toestablish procedures to support this policy and to ensure:

1. Compliance with the most recent edition of the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction’s (OSPI) Guidelines for the Care of Students with Anaphylaxis in case of suspected anaphylaxis;
2. A simple and standardized format for emergency care plans is utilized;
3. A protocol is in place to ensure emergency care plans are current, completed, and distributed to appropriate staff;
4. Medication orders are clear and unambiguous;
5. Training and documentation is a priority; and
6. Each school’s supply of epinephrine, if any, is maintained pursuant to manufacturer’s instructions and District medication policy and procedures.

Superintendent Procedure:

• 3420SP – Anaphylaxis Prevention and Response

Policy Cross References:

• 3413 – Student Immunization and Life-Threatening Health Conditions
• 3416 – Medication at School
• 3418 – Response to Student Injury or Illness
• 3419 – Self-Administration of Asthma and Anaphylaxis Medications

Previous Policies:

• D98.00 – Anaphylaxis Prevention Policy

Legal References:

• RCW 28A.210.380 Anaphylaxis – Policy Guidelines – Procedures – Reports.
• RCW 28A.210.383 Epinephrine autoinjectors (EPI pens)—School supply—Use.
• Chapter 392-380 WAC Public School Pupils—Immunization Requirement and Life-Threatening Health Condition.

Management Resources:

• WSSDA Policy & Legal News, October 2024; August 2018; November 2013; August 2012; February 2009.
• OSPI Guidelines for the Care of Students with Anaphylaxis, 2021

Last Board Review:

• October 8, 2025

Revisions:

• October 8, 2025
• April 3, 2024
• January 21, 2015

Adopted by the Board:

• December 7, 2011