Asthma Care

Asthma Care at School

Students with asthma and needing an inhaler during school should submit an annual Asthma Action Plan signed by the physician and parent to the school nurse. In addition a parent must submit and sign a Medication Authorization Form to the school nurse.

The 77th Texas Legislature enacted House Bill 1688, which amends the Education Code to entitle a student with asthma to possess and self-administer prescription asthma medication while on school property or at a school-related event or activity.

Asthma Action Plan

If a physician determines it is medically necessary for a student with asthma to carry and self-administer prescription asthma medication, the student must have an asthma action plan signed by the physician and parent on file. (This form can be obtained from the school nurse or printed here: Asthma Action Plan English & Spanish.)

The Asthma Action Plan must be filled out each year by the student's physician or other licensed health care provider and must be signed by both the prescribing physician and the parent/guardian.

The student must also demonstrate to the school nurse the skill necessary to self-administer inhaler and be able to recognize symptoms of asthma.

Self-Carry Considerations

Unless an additional supply of medication is provided for storage in the school nurse’s office, parents and students must recognize that it is the student’s responsibility to carry the medication at all times.  The school does not keep an emergency supply of asthma medication in stock.

Students who require asthma medication for athletic activities must also process the medication through the school nurse.  If the student has permission from the physician on the Asthma Action Plan to self-carry their asthma medication, they may do so after discussion with the school nurse.  If they do not have authorization to self-carry the medication, the school nurse will coordinate with the athletic coach to make sure that the students’ medication needs are met.