Asthma and Allergy Resources for Schools

Pursuant to Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/22-30) , all Illinois school districts, public schools, charter schools, and non-public schools may maintain and administer undesignated medications, including epinephrine and asthma medication* to any person that the school nurse or trained personnel** believes in good faith is having anaphylactic reaction or respiratory distress.

*Asthma medication means quick-relief asthma medication, including albuterol or other short-acting bronchodilators, approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of respiratory distress. Asthma medication includes medication delivered through a device, including a metered-dose inhaler with a reusable or disposable spacer or a nebulizer with a mouthpiece or mask.

**Trained personnel now includes coaches and athletic trainers in addition to any school employee or authorized volunteer according to the Public Act 104-0484 .

Statewide Standing Order and Protocol for Undesignated Epinephrine

IDPH has issued a standing order and protocol for the administration of undesignated epinephrine to respond to episodes of anaphylaxis in K-12 schools. The standing order includes administration of undesignated epinephrine auto-injectors, and starting January 1, 2027, schools may also use the standing order to stock and administer undesignated nasal epinephrine. The standing order may be found on the IDPH Statewide Standing Orders page . 

Statewide Standing Order and Protocol for Asthma Medication

IDPH has issued a standing and protocol for the administration of undesignated asthma medication to respond to episodes of asthma emergencies in K-12 schools. The standing order may be found on the IDPH Statewide Standing Orders page .

Staff Training Requirements and Resources

All training shall be conducted pursuant to Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/22-30). Training shall be incorporated into new school employee training, be held when an individual is identified at risk, and conducted school-wide annually. Training must be renewed annually, whether online or in person, and certified in writing by a school nurse or physician. Training resources for school nurses and staff are available on the Illinois State Board of Education website  . 

Reporting Use of Undesignated Medication in School

When undesignated medication is administered, the following notification must occur:

1. 1. Immediately – the student’s parents, guardian, or emergency contact
   2. Within 24 hours – student’s school nurse, if medication is administered by trained personnel
   3. Within 24 hours – student’s health care provider of record, with parent or guardian consent
   4. Within 3 days – Schools are required to complete the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Undesignated Medication Reporting Document available on ISBE’s School Nursing Webpage within 3 days after the administration of any undesignated medication in accordance with Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/22-30)

Additional Information and Resources

Epinephrine

• IDPH Undesignated Epinephrine Standing Order and Protocol for schools
• ISBE Anaphylaxis Response Policy for Illinois Schools
  
• Epinephrine in Schools | EpiPen4Schools® Mylan Pharmaceuticals has agreed to provide free epinephrine auto (Epi-Pen) to all schools that have a standing order for this emergency drug. The program requirements are: 1) school must have a doctor’s order for the use of this drug, and 2) a representative of the school or district must sign the order form. The instructions and order forms can be accessed at epipen4schools.com
• Nasal Epinephrine – Neffy in Schools Program – Starting January 1, 2027, Illinois schools may also stock and administer undesignated nasal epinephrine. ARS Pharma will provide free nasal epinephrine to public and private K-12 schools. Schools will be eligible to receive two cartons (four single use doses) of neffy for free to use in emergency situations. The instructions and order forms can be accessed at https://www.neffy.com/community-programs/ . 

Asthma Medication

• IDPH Undesignated Asthma Medication Standing Order and Protocol for Schools
• Illinois Asthma Episode Emergency Response Protocol
  
• RESCUE in Illinois: Public Act 100-0726, allows schools to stock undesignated asthma rescue medication. This statute also authorizes school nurses and trained personnel to administer medication in the event of respiratory distress. In 2023, the Illinois Legislature funded Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America St. Louis Chapter to implement a statewide albuterol program called RESCUE . This grant, administered by the Illinois Department of Human Services, funds asthma medication and medical equipment in over 3,000 public K-12 schools across the state of Illinois with the goal of keeping kids in school and out of emergency rooms.