Glad to see this new policy! It'll protect individuals experiencing anaphylaxis for the first time while they are at school, and it'll protect those students whose parents/allergists never felt the allergy was "severe enough" to need an epipen.
http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/sumchng.shtm#jpd (http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/policy/sumchng.shtm#jpd)
QuoteEmergency Care for Students Experiencing Anaphylaxis
On October 22, 2012, the Board adopted new Policy JPD, Emergency Care for Students Experiencing Anaphylaxis. This policy promotes and protects children's health, well-being, and ability to learn. The policy authorizes the school nurse and other school personnel to administer auto-injectable epinephrine to a student who is determined to be or perceived to be in anaphylaxis, regardless of whether the student has been identified as having an anaphylactic allergy or has a prescription for epinephrine from an authorized licensed health care practitioner.
Wow! That almost sounds like a direct result of the case last year where a girl was in Anaphylaxis, but didn't have Epi at school (despite known PA) and even though nurse had Epipens Rx'd to other people AND recognized Anaphylaxis, wouldn't administer one....and she died.
Also addresses the fact that 25% of reactions in school are first time allergic reactions.