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 follow-up care by an appropriate health care provider.  Some common life threatening allergens are peanuts, tree nuts, fish, 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. A life threatening health condition means a condition that will put the student in danger of death during the school day if a medication or treatment order providing authority to a registered nurse and nursing plan are not in place. Following submission of the medication or treatment order, a nursing plan will be developed 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.

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 precautions to reduce the risk of a student with a history of anaphylaxis coming into contact with the offending allergen at school.

The Superintendent is authorized to establish 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 and completed;
4. Medication orders are clear and unambiguous;
5. Training and documentation is a priority; and
6. Epinephrine autoinjectors are maintained pursuant to manufacturer’s instructions and district medication policy and procedures.