(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.

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.

(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.