School personnel who have been trained by a Registered Nurse are permitted to administer epinephrine when the school nurse is not available. If a student does not have an epinephrine auto injector and/or a prescription, the school nurse or trained personnel may administer the school’s independent supply of epinephrine when responding to an anaphylactic reaction. If a student is injured due to the administration of epinephrine by a school nurse or other trained personnel, they shall not be held responsible for the injury unless administered with an intentional disregard for safety. Each school shall maintain at least two (2) unlocked secure epinephrine auto injector locations, including but not limited to, the school office and school cafeteria.   

GUIDELINES   

Education/training for school personnel on the management of students with life-threatening allergies to include notification of Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

• The school nurse or principal shall maintain a record for each student at risk for anaphylaxis.
• If a student utilizes the epinephrine auto-injector other than as prescribed, he/she may be subject to disciplinary action.
• Development of strategies to reduce the risk of exposure to anaphylactic causative agents in classrooms and common areas such as the cafeteria. 
• Dissemination of information on life-threatening allergies to school staff, parents, and students.
• Development of an Individual Health Plan (IHP) and/or 504 tailored to the need of each individual child at risk for anaphylaxis to include all school sponsored events. 
• Students with a known diagnosis of anaphylaxis must have a written and signed statement from the student's licensed health care provider that supports:     
  1. Diagnosis of anaphylaxis       
  2. Identification of food or other substances to which the student is allergic       
  3. Indication of prior history of anaphylaxis       
  4. Recommendation of emergency treatment procedures in the event of a reaction      
  5. Completion of Knox County Schools Allergy/Anaphylaxis Allergy Action Plan to include           substitute meals and self- administration readiness  

The principal of each school, in conjunction with the school nurse, shall be responsible for the implementation and administration of an Emergency Food Allergy Response Plan that focuses on prevention and an appropriate response procedure should an emergency occur.  

Legal Reference:  

T.C.A. § 49-5-415 (e) - (f).