RESPONSIBITILITIES:
Franklin Township Community School Corporation (FTCSC) cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment for students with Life-Threatening allergies (LTA). However, the district will work diligently to minimize exposure through ingestion of the allergen, will prepare for allergic reactions through education, and will respond quickly to an emergency that may arise despite precautions. FTCSC administration will review and update best-practice standards of care annually so that evidence-based guidelines continue to be the cornerstone of the program.
Ensuring the safety of students with LTAs requires a partnership with district personnel, and those at home and in the medical community. Procedures found online address the major responsibilities of the various groups involved in the safety of your student at school. Please visit ftcsc.org for a complete list, under Child Nutrition.
MANAGEMENT:
- Upon notification by a parent/legal guardian (hereafter, parent) that a student with an LTA will be attending FTCSC, the school nurse will send to the parent/legal guardian the following documents:
a. USDA Eating and Feeding Evaluation–Medical Orders
- Food Allergy Emergency Care Plan (ECP)—Medical Orders
- Release and Mutual Disclosure—permission to speak with the medical provider
Parent shall provide student’s meals until contacted by FTCSC Supervisor of Health Services or Registered Dietician (RD) that all paperwork is in order, at which time the student may consume a USDA meal which is restricted for the allergen.
2. A food allergy management and treatment plan shall be developed and signed by the student’s licensed
health care provider and the parent of the student. The plan identifies health care services necessary for
the student during school hours. FTCSC will be unable to restrict or accommodate the school meal
program without supporting medical documentation.
3. Upon receipt of the above completed medical documents, the school nurse shall notify the RD of the
diet restriction and shall send a copy of the above documents to the RD. The RD will add the student’s
LTA to the school’s diet restriction listing and send the update to the school cafeteria manager.
4. The RN shall develop an Individualized Health Plan (IHP) for the student. The ECP shall serve as the
emergency action plan at school, and shall be given to school staff as deemed appropriate by the school
nurse, for the safety of the student during the school day. The nurse and/or RD shall develop
appropriate education for the training of teachers, instructional assistants, cafeteria staff, office staff,
custodial staff, transportation staff, and other staff who may be in contact with the student during the
course of the school day. Annual instruction may include:
- Methods to reduce exposure through ingestion
- Recognition and prompt treatment of the student’s allergic response
- Demonstration and successful performance of epinephrine administration
5. Orders of the health care provider shall remain in effect for the duration of the student’s attendance in
FTCSC, specific to the allergy. The ECP and IHP with associated medications and actions shall be
updated annually. Parents are responsible for notifying the school in the event of changes or updates to
their student’s allergies. Diet restrictions may be removed or altered only with written orders from the
provider. In all cases, orders from an allergist shall supersede orders from a general practitioner or
pediatrician.
6. Latex balloons and gloves are not to be utilized within any FTCSC building.
References:
- Behrmann, J. (2010). Ethical Principles as a Guide in Implementing Policies for the Management of Food Allergies in School. The Journal of School Nursing, 26, 183-193.
- www.foodallergy.org
- http://www.nasn.org/ToolsResources/FoodAllergyandAnaphylaxis
- http://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/foodallergies/pdf/13_243135_A_Food_Allergy_Web_508.pdf
- http://www.nsba.org/services/school-board-leadership-services/food-allergiesschool-health
- http://www.nsba.org/safe-school-and-ready-learn-comprehensive-policy-guide-protecting-students-life-threatening-food
- http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000817.htm
Printable Forms to be completed by parent/legal guardian and/or student’s licensed health care practitioner: