SCS/HB 922 – By July 1, 2011, each school district must adopt a policy on allergy prevention and response. Priority must be given to addressing potentially deadly food-borne allergies. Each policy must contain the following elements: distinguishing between building, classroom, and individual approaches to allergy prevention and management; providing an age-appropriate response to allergy education and prevention; describing the role of school staff to determine the management of an allergy problem, as described in the act; describing the role of other students and parents in cooperating to prevent and mitigate allergies; addressing confidentiality issues with medical information; and coordinating with the School Health Advisory Council, local health authorities, and other appropriate entities.
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education must develop a model policy or policies by July 1, 2010, in cooperation with appropriate professional associations.
MICHAEL RUFF