For Parents
Self-Administered Asthma Medication Law
(California Education Code Section 49423.1)
According to the California Education Code Section 49423.1, any pupil who is required to take, during the regular school day, medication prescribed for him or her by a physician or surgeon, may be assisted by the school nurse or other designated school personnel or may carry and self-administer inhaled asthma medication if the school district receives the appropriate written statement from the following individuals:
1) Physician or surgeon detailing the name of the medication, method, amount, time schedules by which the medication is to be taken, and confirm (if applicable) that the pupil is able to self-administer inhaled asthma medication, AND
2) Parent, foster parent, or guardian of the pupil requesting that the school district assist the pupil as stated by the physician or surgeon and consent (if applicable) to the self-administration, providing a release for the school nurse or other designated school personnel to consult with the health care provider of the pupil regarding any questions that may arise with regard to the medication, and releasing the school district and school personnel from civil liability if self-administering pupil suffers an adverse reaction by taking the medication.
The School Authorization Form can be found at your child’s school or on the Asthma Action Plan (page 6) located below.
Asthma Action Plan
The following forms are Asthma Action Plans that you can print out and take to your child’s health care provider to complete. This plan provides information on managing your child’s asthma. It is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese.
Asthma Start Program Participation
If you have a child that meets all the eligibility requirements (ages 0-18, diagnosed with asthma, lives in Alameda County) and you would like to participate in the program, please contact the Asthma Start Program at 510.383.5181.
When Should I Send My Child to School?
When students miss too many days of school, they fall behind and struggle to keep up with their classmates. Whether the days missed are due to illness, truancy or for any other reason, the end result for the student is the same — learning time is lost. Children and adolescents will get sick at times and may need to stay at home, let’s work together to help minimize the number of days your student misses school.
The following fact sheet was developed by the Office of the District Attorney – Alameda County, Alameda County Public Health Department, Interagency Children’s Policy Council, and the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency – Center for Healthy Schools and Community. The suggestions are for children 5 to 18 years of age. Please check with your local school district on individual school policies. Click here for fact sheet.
Healing Yoga Protocol for Asthma
Created by: Niroga Institute, Inc.
This 15-minute yoga therapy protocol consists of gentle chest openers that allow us to breathe deeper, fuller, and easier. It also includes breathing exercises that help us feel more relax and manage our stress. Partial funding for this video was provided by the Alameda County Public Health Department. Watch video »