Montana Code Annotated 2021

TITLE 20. EDUCATION

CHAPTER 5. PUPILS

Part 4. Health

Emergency Use Of Epinephrine In School Setting

20-5-421. Emergency use of epinephrine in school setting. A school, whether public or nonpublic, may maintain a stock supply of autoinjectable epinephrine to be administered by a school nurse or other authorized personnel to any student or nonstudent as needed for actual or perceived anaphylaxis. A school that intends to obtain an order for emergency use of epinephrine in a school setting or at related activities shall adhere to the following requirements:

(1) A school that stocks an epinephrine autoinjector shall develop a protocol related to the training of school employees, the maintenance and location of the epinephrine autoinjector, and immediate and long-term followup to the administration of the medication, including making a 9-1-1 emergency call.

(2) The epinephrine autoinjector must be prescribed by a physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or physician assistant. The school must be designated as the patient, and each prescription for an epinephrine autoinjector must be filled by a licensed pharmacy.

(3) The school shall provide training to authorized personnel. The training must include causes of anaphylaxis, recognition of signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, indications for the administration of epinephrine, the administration technique, and the need for immediate access to a certified emergency responder. Training must be provided by a school nurse, certified emergency responder, or other health care professional.

(4) The epinephrine autoinjector must be kept in a secure and easily accessible location.

(5) A school nurse or other authorized personnel may, in good faith, administer the epinephrine to any student or nonstudent who is experiencing a potential life-threatening anaphylactic reaction based on the protocol developed by the school.

(6) If a school stocks an epinephrine autoinjector that has been prescribed to the school, that school shall inform parents or guardians about the potential use of the epinephrine autoinjector in an anaphylactic emergency. The school shall make the protocol available upon request.

(7) In accordance with the provisions of 27-1-714, a school district or nonpublic school and its employees and agents are not liable as a result of any injury arising from the administration of epinephrine to a student or nonstudent unless an act or omission is the result of gross negligence, willful or wanton misconduct, or an intentional tort.

History: En. Sec. 2, Ch. 189, L. 2013.