NRS392.425. Authorization for pupil to self-administer medication for asthma or anaphylaxis; contents of request; immunity from liability.  


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  •       1.  The parent or legal guardian of a pupil who has asthma or anaphylaxis may submit a written request to the principal or, if applicable, the school nurse of the public school in which the pupil is enrolled to allow the pupil to self-administer medication for the treatment of the pupil’s asthma or anaphylaxis while the pupil is on the grounds of a public school, participating in an activity sponsored by a public school or on a school bus.

          2.  A written request made pursuant to subsection 1 must include:

          (a) A signed statement of a physician indicating that the pupil has asthma or anaphylaxis and is capable of self-administration of the medication while the pupil is on the grounds of a public school, participating in an activity sponsored by a public school or on a school bus;

          (b) A written treatment plan prepared by the physician pursuant to which the pupil will manage his or her asthma or anaphylaxis if the pupil experiences an asthmatic attack or anaphylactic shock while on the grounds of a public school, participating in an activity sponsored by a public school or on a school bus; and

          (c) A signed statement of the parent or legal guardian:

                 (1) Indicating that the parent or legal guardian grants permission for the pupil to self-administer the medication while the pupil is on the grounds of a public school, participating in an activity sponsored by a public school or on a school bus; and

                 (2) Acknowledging that the parent or legal guardian is aware of and understands the provisions of subsections 3 and 4.

          3.  The provisions of this section do not create a duty for the board of trustees of the school district, the school district, the public school in which the pupil is enrolled, or an employee or agent thereof, that is in addition to those duties otherwise required in the course of service or employment.

          4.  If a pupil is granted authorization pursuant to this section to self-administer medication, the board of trustees of the school district, the school district and the public school in which the pupil is enrolled, and any employee or agent thereof, are immune from liability for the injury to or death of the pupil as a result of self-administration of a medication pursuant to this section or the failure of the pupil to self-administer such a medication.

          5.  Upon receipt of a request that complies with subsection 2, the principal or, if applicable, the school nurse of the public school in which a pupil is enrolled shall provide written authorization for the pupil to carry and self-administer medication to treat his or her asthma or anaphylaxis while the pupil is on the grounds of a public school, participating in an activity sponsored by a public school or on a school bus. The written authorization must be filed with the principal or, if applicable, the school nurse of the public school in which the pupil is enrolled and must include:

          (a) The name and purpose of the medication which the pupil is authorized to self-administer;

          (b) The prescribed dosage and the duration of the prescription;

          (c) The times or circumstances, or both, during which the medication is required or recommended for self-administration;

          (d) The side effects that may occur from an administration of the medication; and

          (e) The name and telephone number of the pupil’s physician and the name and telephone number of the person to contact in the case of a medical emergency concerning the pupil.

          6.  The written authorization provided pursuant to subsection 5 is valid for 1 school year. If a parent or legal guardian submits a written request that complies with subsection 2, the principal or, if applicable, the school nurse of the public school in which the pupil is enrolled shall renew and, if necessary, revise the written authorization.

          7.  If a parent or legal guardian of a pupil who is authorized pursuant to this section to carry medication on his or her person provides to the principal or, if applicable, the school nurse of the public school in which the pupil is enrolled doses of the medication in addition to the dosage that the pupil carries on his or her person, the principal or, if applicable, the school nurse shall ensure that the additional medication is:

          (a) Stored on the premises of the public school in a location that is secure; and

          (b) Readily available if the pupil experiences an asthmatic attack or anaphylactic shock during school hours.

          8.  As used in this section:

          (a) “Medication” means any medicine prescribed by a physician for the treatment of anaphylaxis or asthma, including, without limitation, asthma inhalers and auto-injectable epinephrine.

          (b) “Physician” means a person who is licensed to practice medicine pursuant to chapter 630 of NRS or osteopathic medicine pursuant to chapter 633 of NRS.

          (c) “Self-administer” means the auto-administration of a medication pursuant to the prescription for the medication or written directions for such a medication.

      (Added to NRS by 2005, 85)