Oregon schools set medicine rules and train staff for allergy emergencies

School district boards must set policies for students with asthma or severe allergies to use prescribed medicine themselves in listed settings. The policies cover kindergarten through grade 12 students at school, school activities, while supervised by school staff, in before- or after-school care on school property, and while traveling to or from school or activities. A licensed health care professional must prescribe the medicine, teach the student how to use it, and prepare a written treatment plan. A parent or guardian must submit documents the school requires. A school may revoke permission if the student uses the medicine irresponsibly or abuses it. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

School employees and districts have criminal and civil immunity in the stated circumstances when someone gives a premeasured epinephrine dose in good faith. The protection covers school administrators, nurses, teachers, designated school employees, and school districts in the circumstances described. The person must have a severe allergy and be unable to use the medicine themselves; they do not need a prescription. District immunity applies when the dose is given on school premises or at a district activity. The immunity does not cover gross negligence or willful and wanton misconduct. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.

Required allergy response training must teach how to give a premeasured dose of epinephrine. The training provisions cover education on treating allergic responses under the cited Oregon statutes. Training must also cover recognizing severe allergic responses, common triggers, and follow-up care. Specified licensed health professionals may conduct the training, and other health professionals or emergency medical providers may do so under the stated rules. Public health authorities, organizations, or other approved trainers may also conduct the training under the separate provision. The law takes effect January 1, 2027.