Loudoun County Public Schools are now required to have non student-specific doses of auto-injectable epinephrine, or EpiPens, in each school in case of a student’s severe allergic reaction.

According to LCPS, legislation passed by the General Assembly earlier this year requires all public schools establish policies to acquire and administer epinephrine to any student experiencing a severe allergic reaction, or anaphylactic reaction, during the academic day. The policy is currently in effect for the 2012-2013 school year.

The Loudoun County School Board approved Policy 8-54 which states there needs to be at least two non student-specific doses of auto-injectable epinephrine in each school for administration to students who do not have a previously identified severe allergic reaction, according to LCPS.

What to look for

Common allergens, according to the LCPS website, include animal dander, fish, latex, dairy, shellfish, tree nuts, eggs, insect venom, medications, peanuts, soy and wheat.

Some symptoms to look for as a severe allergic reactions include sudden difficulty breathing, wheezing, hives, generalized flushing, itching or redness of the skin, swelling of the throat, lips or tongue, tightness or change of voice, difficulty swallowing, tingling sensation, itching or metallic taste in mouth, feeling of apprehension or agitation, the website says.

A severe allergic reaction can have multiple symptoms and reactions can vary from person-to- person. Non-food items such as classroom materials and arts or craft supplies could have remnants of food product that could cause an allergic reaction, the website says.

Not a subject to be held lightly, the LCPS website says a severe allergic reaction usually occurs quickly – within one to two hours after exposure - and death has been reported to occur within minutes. The website also states in about one-  third of severe allergic reactions, the initial symptoms are followed by a delay of symptoms two to four hours later.

Two auto-injectors will be supplied with the 0.15 ml dosage for students weighing less than 66 pounds, the website says. An additional two auto-injectors will be provided with the .30 ml dosage for students weighing more than 66 pounds. The auto-injectors will be stored in the school clinics where two employees, plus the school nurse, will receive training on how to administer the epinephrine.

What parents should do

LCPS says parents of students with known life threatening allergies or anaphylaxis should provide the school with written instructions from the student’s health care provider on handling severe allergic reactions and necessary medications for the student.

This new policy, LCPS says, is not intended for a student who already has an EpiPen or parent provided individual medications. This policy also does not apply to activities off school grounds , including transportation to and from school, field trips or outside of the academic day, the policy says.

Parents may contact Nancy Markley, supervisor of Student Health Services, at 571-252-1017 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with any questions.

The policy can be found on the LCPS website home page under the Parents tab under Epinephrine Administration Policy.

The law

The new requirement came during the 2012 General Assembly session. Several bills were submitted by state legislators requiring the safety measure. Ultimately, the requirement came from a state senate bill introduced by Richmond-area state Sen. A. Donald McEachin (D-9th), a Fairfax Times article states.

The same article says the bill was approved unanimously by both the House of Delegates and Senate.

Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) signed the legislation in April, with it becoming law in July.