School Nurses and Education Professionals
Click on links to read more:
Asthma School Presentation
The School Health Committee of the Arizona Asthma Coalition has createded a slide presentation for school nurses to use with teachers, coaches, administrators and other school personnel. The purpose of the presentation is to highlight basic asthma information for non-clinical staff. It is important for all school personnel to be knowledgeable about asthma, so in the event that a student has an asthma episode or emergency, the staff will know what steps to take.
AAC Asthma School Presentation 2007
School Nurse Asthma Tool Kit
The School Nurse's Tool Kit contains some key points and new information about asthma. It is not intended to be comprehensive and it does not cover all aspects of asthma care and management. In addition to the information contained in the School Nurse's Tool Kit, we have added several links to asthma action plans. There are many asthma action plans available, but we have given you a few to choose from, in both English and Spanish. Other resources will be added to the web site, so check to see what new tools are available.
School Nurses Tool Kit
Asthma Action Plan - American Lung Association
AAP - Peak Flow Numbers (English)
AAP - Peak Flow Numbers (Spanish)
Asthma Action Plan - Standard (English)
Asthma Action Plan - Standard (Spanish)
Asthma Action Plan - Peak Flow Meter Calculator
Below is a link for more information about asthma and allergies in schools:
http://www.schoolasthmaallergy.com/html/states-enhanced/AZ/index.html
The Arizona Asthma Coalition and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality partnered on producing this video, which highligths the ill effects of school bus idling for children with respiratory problems. A DVD was sent to every school district in Arizona. This project was generously funded by the Arizona Department of Health Services, Steps To A Healthier Arizona Initiative. To view this new video on the ill effects of school bus idling go to the link below and click on the word video:
http://www.azdeq.gov/function/about/bus.html
School Nurse Letter
Dear School Nurse,
Asthma is the most common chronic childhood disease in the United States. Asthma affects nearly one in thirteen school-aged children and at least 5 million children in America have asthma. However, asthma is controllable, and with proper treatment and support, children can lead normal lives. Why should schools be concerned about asthma? Although most asthma episodes can be prevented with proper treatment and communication between parents and school staff, asthma can be life threatening. An episode can come on suddenly requiring the student and staff to respond quickly to a life-threatening emergency. This raises several questions about your school's level of preparedness to handle such an emergency.
In 2005, the Arizona Legislature passed two bills related to the rights of school-aged children with asthma. Overviews of these bills are attached to this letter as items of information for you. The Arizona Asthma Coalition (AAC) and the Maricopa County Asthma Coalition (MCAC) partnered in an effort to help you understand the impact of HB2229 and SB1309. Both bills were signed in time to go into effect prior to the 2005-2006 academic year. Although some school districts in Arizona already have policies in place to accommodate the provisions of these bills, not all are prepared to deal with the changes these bills will invoke. If your school district still does not have policies then this is a golden opportunity for you, the school nurse, to step up and take the lead offering your expertise as the policy is developed. Below are listed some essential components of a school asthma policy that complement the new bills.
- Asthma Action Plan Developed with input from provider, parent, student, and school nurse
- Demonstrated skill in medication administration for symptom management
- Staff, teacher, parent, and child asthma education
- Extra rescue medication retained in health office for emergency use
The AAC and MCAC are ready to assist any school district who asks for assistance in the process of developing their policies related to these laws.
HB 2229 Asthma Rescue Medication Bill
Signed 4/11/05
Allows for a pupil who has written parental consent to possess and self-administer handheld inhaler devices for breathing disorders and establishes an exemption from civil liability for school districts and employees who, in good faith, make decisions or take actions to implement these provisions.
History
Currently, Section 15-344, Arizona Revised Statutes, delegates authority regarding the policies and procedures of the administration of any prescription medication to a pupil by a school employee to the school district governing board.
Numerous other states have adopted legislation allowing pupils to posses and self-administer handheld inhaler devices for breathing disorders on school property.
Provisions
- Allows for the possession and self-administration of prescription medication for breathing disorders by the pupil who has been prescribed the medication by a licensed physician or licensed health care professional if the pupil’s name is on the handheld inhaler device or medical container.
- Exempts school districts and employees from civil liability for all decisions made and actions taken in good faith to implement these provisions.
- Requires parents to provide annual written documentation authorizing the pupil to possess and self-administer a handheld inhaler.
- Makes technical and conforming changes.
Pupils with Anaphylaxis Carry and Self-Administer Emergency Medications
SB 1309 Signed 5/11/05
Requires school districts to adopt and enforce policies and procedures to allow pupils who have been diagnosed with anaphylaxis to carry and self-administer emergency medications while at school and school-sponsored activities. Additionally, school districts and employees are immune from civil liability for all decisions made and actions taken in good faith to implement these provisions.
History
Currently, Section 15-344, Arizona Revised Statutes, delegates authority regarding the policies and procedures of the administration of any prescription medication to a pupil by a school employee to the school district governing board.
Numerous other states have adopted legislation allowing pupils to posses and self-administer inhaler devices for breathing disorders on school property.
Provisions
- Requires school districts to adopt polices and procedures to allow pupils who have been diagnosed with anaphylaxis, by a specified licensed health care provider, to carry and self-administer emergency medications, including auto-injectable epinephrine, while at school and school-sponsored activities. The policies adopted must require a pupil who uses auto-injectable epinephrine while at school and at school-sponsored activities to notify the nurse or the designated school staff person of the use of the medication as soon as practicable.
- Declares that the pupil's name on the prescription label on the medication container or on the medication device and annual written permission from the parent or guardian of the pupil is sufficient proof that the pupil is entitled to the possession and self-administration of the medication.
- Exempts school districts and employees from civil liability for all decisions made and actions taken in good faith to implement these provisions, except in cases of wanton or willful neglect.
- Makes technical and conforming changes.
Asthma Data for Children in Yuma County
Asthma Data for Children in Maricopa County
The Arizona Department of Environmental Health (ADEQ)
The Arizona Department of Environmental Health (ADEQ) instituted a voluntary program in 2004, asking school districts to ban school bus idling near the school building. Diesel emissions from school buses are harmful to everyone, but especially bad for children with asthma.
Click on to the link below to see if your school district is part of this program. If it is not, speak to your district's Superintendent and ask why not?
http://www.azdeq.gov/function/about/bus.html