The NJSBA has updated policy 5141.21 Administering Medication. This policy was updated to reflect changes to New Jersey statute N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.3 Self-administration of medication by pupil permitted that resulted from P.L. 2019, c. 118.
P.L. 2019, c. 118 amended N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.3 to specifically permit students who are authorized by their parent/guardian and their physician to self-administer hydrocortisone sodium succinate for adrenal insufficiency. The law also requires the board to develop a policy in accordance with the guidelines established by the New Jersey Department of Education for the emergency administration of hydrocortisone sodium succinate through appropriate delivery devices and equipment to a student for adrenal insufficiency.
Three sections were added to the policy regarding the self-administration of hydrocortisone sodium succinate by students for adrenal insufficiency:
- Emergency Administration of Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate for Adrenal Insufficiency;
- Placement and Availability of Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate, and Transportation to Hospital; and
- Designee Training to Administer Hydrocortisone Sodium Succinate
The other sections were edited with some minor changes to the policy for clarity. The marked-up versions are available upon request.
The NJSBA has a sample regulation that complements this policy available upon request. The regulation was updated with guidelines for the emergency administration of the opioid antidote and the self-administration of hydrocortisone sodium succinate by students for adrenal insufficiency.
You may directly download this policy update from the Critical Policy Reference Manual (CPRM) district or charter versions or the Policy Update List on your password protected Policy Resources webpage at www.njsba.org. You may also contact a policy consultant at (609) 278-5268 or email Jean Harkness or Steve McGettigan, policy manager. An updated regulation is also available upon request.