Standing order for albuterol in K-12 schools

HB 2360 / SB 5951 would create a statewide standing order allowing school nurses to administer albuterol.

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Introduction

HB 2360 • SB 5951

Reliable access to albuterol for children experiencing difficulty with breathing at school is a problem that school nurses continue to face. Students frequently forget or lose their inhalers, and many children and families lack preventive healthcare access when they need it. Approximately 10% of all school-aged children in the country are impacted by asthma, with a higher prevalence among lower-income students and students of color. Further, undiagnosed students may also experience their first asthmatic attack while at school. This bill would establish a statewide standing order through the Department of Health (DOH) for albuterol in K-12 schools so that schools may keep an inhaler on hand for those types of scenarios. Every student should have access to life saving medications. This bill is being championed by the School Nurse Organization of Washington (SNOW).

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In depth

The ask

Pass HB 2360 / SB 5951 to create a statewide standing order allowing school nurses to administer albuterol.

The need

Approximately 10% of school-aged children in the country are impacted by asthma, with a higher prevalence among lower-income students and students of color.
Many students have undiagnosed asthma and may experience their first asthma exacerbation at school.
Multiple studies have found that exposure to wildfire smoke can not only worsen asthma, but can also contribute to the development of asthma.
School-age children with asthma are more likely to experience school absences than their peers.
Studies have found that as few as 14% of students have access to albuterol inhaler medication at school, with a major reason being lost or expired inhalers.
Within the past decade, at least 15 states have enacted legislation providing for stock albuterol policies.

Benefits of creating standing orders for albuterol

Access to stock albuterol medication is effective for respiratory distress and safe for children.
Allows school nurses to provide immediate assistance to students in distress.
Ensures students experiencing respiratory challenges can receive immediate care on school grounds, reducing the risk of negative health outcomes.
Builds on current law that provides a standing order for epinephrine in school settings.
Every student should have access to life-saving medications.

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