Board agrees to advance review of auto‑injectable epinephrine policy to reflect House Bill 78

The Calvert County Board of Education voted unanimously on Sept. 11 to advance review of policy 3,920 — the district's policy on availability and use of auto‑injectable epinephrine — to incorporate requirements in Maryland House Bill 78, which broadens protections for students with severe allergies.

Cecilia Lewis, director of Student Services, told the board that House Bill 78 replaces a narrower requirement for a "nut‑free table" with guidance addressing the top nine major allergens (milk, egg, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat, peanuts, soy and sesame). Lewis recommended updating the district policy's purpose and definitions to align with the State School Health Services guidance and asked the board to approve an out‑of‑cycle review.

"Each county board is required to adopt and implement guidelines in accordance with the Maryland State School Health Services guidelines to reduce the risk of exposure to anaphylactic major food allergens in classroom and common areas," Cecilia Lewis said on the record.

Board action: President Post moved to bring policy 3,920 forward for review outside its normal timeline; the motion was seconded and carried 5–0.

Why it matters: the change would align local policy with state law that broadens the scope of school practices meant to reduce exposure to major food allergens and clarify how autoinjectable epinephrine is made available and used in schools.

Next steps: staff will prepare a revised policy draft for board consideration that incorporates House Bill 78 language and associated definitions; the policy review will follow the board's standard public posting and comment schedule.

Ending: the motion to advance the policy review passed by unanimous vote.