The purpose of this rule is to implement the requirements of Section 1002.30(3)(i), Florida Statutes, relating to the use of epinephrine auto-injectors. The effect is the adoption of a rule consistent with governing legislation.

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
State Board of Education

RULE NO: RULE TITLE
6A-6.025: Use of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors.
PURPOSE AND EFFECT: The purpose of this rule is to implement the requirements of Section 1002.30(3)(i), Florida Statutes, relating to the use of epinephrine auto-injectors. The effect is the adoption of a rule consistent with governing legislation.
SUMMARY: This rule is proposed to specify school district requirements regarding the use of epinephrine auto-injectors in school, school sponsored activities, or in transit to or from school.
SUMMARY OF STATEMENT OF ESTIMATED REGULATORY COSTS: No Statement of Estimated Regulatory Cost was prepared.
Any person who wishes to provide information regarding a statement of estimated regulatory costs, or provide a proposal for a lower cost regulatory alternative must do so in writing within 21 days of this notice.
SPECIFIC AUTHORITY: 1002.20(3)(i) FS.
LAW IMPLEMENTED: 1002.20(3)(i) FS.
A HEARING WILL BE HELD AT THE DATE, TIME AND PLACE SHOWN BELOW:
DATE AND TIME: February 19, 2008, 8:30 a.m.
PLACE: 400 South Monroe Street, Room LL03, The Capitol, Tallahassee, Florida 32399
THE PERSON TO BE CONTACTED REGARDING THE PROPOSED RULE IS: Bambi Lockman, Chief, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, K-12 Public Schools, Department of Education, 325 West Gaines Street, Room 614, Tallahassee, Florida 32399; [phone]

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PROPOSED RULE IS:

6A-6.025 Use of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors.

(1) Definitions.

(a) Self-Administration. Self-administration shall mean that the student is able to utilize the epinephrine auto-injector in the manner directed by the licensed healthcare provider without additional assistance or direction.

(b) Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a medical term for the life-threatening allergic reactions that may occur when allergic individuals are exposed to specific allergens. Anaphylaxis is a collection of symptoms affecting multiple systems in the body.

(c) Epinephrine Auto-injector. Epinephrine auto-injector is a prescription medication (epinephrine) in a specific dose-for-weight device that is packaged for self-delivery in the event of a life-threatening allergic reaction.

(d) Emergency Action Plan. Emergency action plan is a child-specific action plan that is developed for an anticipated health emergency in the school setting. The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is a component of the Individual Health Care Plan (IHCP) developed in accordance with Section 1006.062, Florida Statutes, and Rule 64F-6.004, F.A.C.

(2) A written authorization is required from the physician and parent/guardians for a student to carry an epinephrine auto-injector and self-administer epinephrine by auto-injector in accordance with Section 1002.20, Florida Statutes.

(3) In accordance with subsection 64F-6.004(4), F.A.C., the school nurse shall develop an annual IHCP that includes an EAP, in cooperation with the student, parent/guardians, healthcare provider, and school personnel for the student with life-threatening allergies.

(4) The IHCP shall include provisions for child-specific training in accordance with Section 1006.062(4), Florida Statutes, to protect the safety of all students from the misuse or abuse of auto-injectors. The EAP component shall specify that the emergency number (911) will be called immediately for an anaphylaxis event and describe a plan of action if the student is unable to perform self-administration of the epinephrine auto-injector.

Specific Authority 1002.20(3)(i) FS. Law Implemented 1002.20(3)(i) FS. History–New________.

NAME OF PERSON ORIGINATING PROPOSED RULE: Bambi Lockman, Chief, Bureau of Exceptional Education and Student Services, K-12 Public Schools, Department of Education
NAME OF SUPERVISOR OR PERSON WHO APPROVED THE PROPOSED RULE: Pam Smith, Deputy Chancellor, Curriculum, Instruction, and Student Services, K-12 Public Schools, Department of Education
DATE PROPOSED RULE APPROVED BY AGENCY HEAD: January 07, 2008
DATE NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULE DEVELOPMENT PUBLISHED IN FAW: March 23, 2007