Outline of the state of Maryland
State
Maryland
Addressed

Category
Chronic Conditions

Category
Chronic Conditions

State law addresses plans for managing chronic conditions.

Maryland Code 7-421 Use of asthma drugs and related medication

(a) Definitions. --

  • (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.
  • (2) “Health practitioner” means a physician or other individual authorized by law to prescribe prescription drugs or devices.
  • (3) “Medication” means an asthma inhaler or other emergency drug that is dispensed for a student only on the prescription of a health practitioner and pertains to the student's asthma or other airway-constricting disease.
  • (4) “Self-administer” means the application or consumption of medication in a manner directed by the health practitioner without additional assistance or direction.

(b) In general. --

  • (1) Subject to the provisions of this subsection, each public school system shall adopt a written policy authorizing a student to possess and self-administer medication while:
  • (i) In school;
  • (ii) At school-sponsored activities; or
  • (iii) On a school bus or other school property.
  • (2)
  • (i) A student who self-administers medication must have a prior written order from the student's health care provider and, if the student is a minor, the prior written approval of the student's parent or guardian.
Policy Type
Statute

Maryland Code 7-426.1 Children with anaphylactic allergies.

b) Reduction of risk. --In consultation with a school health professional, the principal of a public school that has a child attending the school who has been identified to the school as having an anaphylactic allergy shall:

  • (1) Monitor the strategies developed in accordance with the Maryland State school health service guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure to anaphylactic causative agents in classrooms and common areas;
  • (2) Designate a peanut- and tree nut-free table in the cafeteria; and
  • (3) Establish procedures for self-administration of medication by the child if the child is determined to be capable of and responsible for self-administration by the principal, parent or guardian of the child, and physician of the child.
Policy Type
Statute

Maryland Code 7-426.4 Guidelines for administration of health care services to students with diabetes

(a) Departments to establish guidelines. --The Department and the Maryland Department of Health jointly shall establish guidelines for public schools regarding the administration of health care services to students with diabetes.

(b) Scope. --The guidelines shall include:

  • (1) Procedures for treating and administering medication to control diabetic symptoms;
  • (2) Procedures for monitoring blood glucose and ketone levels;
  • (3) A description of parental or caregiver responsibilities in relation to the care of their child with diabetes, including:
  • (i) Notifying a school of a child's diabetes diagnosis;
  • (ii) Providing appropriate medication, delivery devices, and medical condition indication devices, including MedicAlert bracelets or necklaces;
  • (iii) Providing parental consent for the administration of medications; and
  • (iv) Providing an emergency card for medical emergencies with up-to-date contact names and telephone numbers;
  • (4) A description of school responsibilities in relation to the care of a student with diabetes, including:
  • (i) Instruction by the school nurse for school health services personnel, teachers, coaches, transportation personnel,and other appropriate school personnel, as determined by the school nurse, including instruction on:
    1. Recognizing the symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia and the appropriate actions to take to control the symptoms;
    1. Administering glucagon in an emergency in accordance with health care provider orders; and
    1. Implementing a student's medical plan and a student's 504 plan;
  • (ii) Providing and distributing the required documents for notification, consent for the administration of medications, medical emergency contact information, and any other appropriate documents to the appropriate individuals or entities; and
  • (iii) Ensuring that appropriate school personnel are available to administer insulin during the school day and during other school-sponsored events and activities;
  • (5) A description of student responsibilities in relation to the student's diabetes care that are age and clinically appropriate;
  • (6) Establishing procedures for students who have been determined by the school nurse to be capable of and responsible for self-management of their diabetes in accordance with health care provider orders; and
  • (7) Any other issue that is relevant to the administration of health care services to students with diabetes.
Policy Type
Statute

Maryland Code 7-46.2 Policy on use of epinephrine in public schools

(b) Establishment. -- Each county board shall establish a policy for public schools within its jurisdiction to authorize the school nurse andother school personnel to administer auto-injectable epinephrine, if available, to a student who is determined to be orperceived to be in anaphylaxis, regardless of whether the student:

  • (1) Has been identified as having an anaphylactic allergy, as defined in § 7-426.1 of this subtitle; or
  • (2) Has a prescription for epinephrine as prescribed by an authorized licensed health care practitioner under the Health Occupations Article.
Policy Type
Statute