Sec. 1. 20-A MRSA §254, sub-§5, śC is enacted to read:

C.__A public or approved private school shall have a written local policy authorizing students to possess and self- administer an asthma inhaler.

(1) The written local policy must include the requirement that a student who self-administers an asthma inhaler receive written approval of the student's physician and, if the student is a minor, the written approval of the student's parent or guardian before receiving authorization to do so.

(2) The written local policy must include the requirement that the student's parent or guardian submit written verification to the school from the physician confirming that the student has the knowledge and the skills to safely possess and use an asthma inhaler in school.

SUMMARY

This bill requires any public or approved private school to adopt a written local policy and procedure allowing students to possess and self-administer asthma inhalers in schools. The bill requires that schools receive written approval from the student's parent or guardian and the student's physician before authorizing the student to self-administer an asthma inhaler. The bill also requires the student's parent or guardian to provide written verification from the physician confirming that the student has the knowledge and the skills to safely possess and use an asthma inhaler in a school.