Stock Bronchodilator Program
In accordance with Maryland law and guidelines from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) and the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), BCPS will stock albuterol MDI (a "bronchodilator") in schools.
Trained staff (school nurses, certified athletic trainers, and certified nursing assistants) will administer albuterol to students who are experiencing symptoms of respiratory distress, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing at school or during athletic practices or events.
What This Means for Your Child:
- If your child shows signs of respiratory distress and does not have their own prescribed inhaler at school, trained staff will administer the albuterol MDI as an emergency measure.
- If your child shows signs of respiratory distress and has an inhaler at school, the trained staff will use the medication you provide and follow your child's prescription.
- If your child shows signs of respiratory distress and has a health care provider's order for an inhaler but it is lost or expired, the trained staff will use the school system's albuterol MDI according to your child's prescription.
- You will be notified immediately if your child receives this medication. Unless your child has a prescription for an inhaler at school, you will be asked to pick your child up from school and follow-up with a health care provider.
- This program is intended to improve safety and emergency response for all students.
- If your child has asthma or another respiratory condition, we encourage you to submit an Asthma Action Plan and provide a personal inhaler to the health room for your child’s individual use.
Please contact the school nurse if you have any questions.