Wallingford policy change would let qualified employees use non-injection delivery mechanisms for emergency meds

District staff told the policy committee that Shipman & Goodwin and district medical advisers revised the student medication policy to reflect changes in state law (Public Act 25-143). The presenter said the revisions authorize boards to use a wider range of approved medical delivery mechanisms beyond injections and clarify that, under Connecticut law, qualified employees of boards of education may, in certain circumstances and with appropriate approvals, administer epinephrine or glucagon to students. "The public act, 25-143, revises the language to authorize boards to use a wider range of medical equipment, for example, nasal spray instead of limiting boards to only injection based delivery," the presenter said.

Staff said the policy changes were reviewed by the district’s nurse coordinator, Amy Turner, and the district medical adviser, Dr. Valentin, who support the revisions. A board member suggested adding a definition for "opioid antagonist" in the policy’s definitions; staff agreed to add that clarification. Several members praised the expansion, saying it gives health staff additional tools to respond to student medical emergencies.