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Board reviews updates to health, naloxone and AED policies; naloxone to be placed near AEDs under new draft
Summary
Board members reviewed first readings March 11 of updated policies on communicable disease response, naloxone availability and AED program operations; the naloxone draft specifies placement near AEDs and clarifies training and reporting procedures.
Garrett County Board of Education members reviewed drafts of multiple health and safety policies March 11 that will return for formal action next month. The items were presented as first reads and included: an updated communicable disease policy (JLCC), an opiate response and naloxone policy (JLCDA), an automated external defibrillator policy (JLCEB), and an acceptable‑use procedure for board members’ personal devices (GBEE).
Staff said the communicable disease policy was updated to reflect current Maryland Department of Health guidance and that accompanying parent letters and procedural guidelines were revised for readability. The policy language was broadened to state the district will comply with applicable state and federal laws.
On the opiate response policy (JLCDA), staff told the board the major changes align with new state legislation that calls for naloxone (Narcan) placement near AEDs. The draft adds: authorization for school personnel to administer opioid‑overdose reversing medication in an emergency; an annual parent/guardian notification that naloxone is available in schools; staff awareness and training requirements; procedures for administration and post‑event reporting. Nurses will provide layered training (awareness through hands‑on) and coaches who travel to off‑site events can check out a naloxone packet to carry with an AED, staff said. The district also described partnerships with the Garrett County Health Department, which provides naloxone at no cost and holds community drop‑off/pickup events.
Staff presented a clarified AED policy (JLCEB) that codifies a countywide AED program: venue‑specific emergency action plans, assigned roles for equipment checks and maintenance, training expectations, and post‑use reporting to state authorities. At the meeting staff said the district maintains 26 AEDs across buildings and that devices are periodically refreshed after several years of service. A staffer mentioned unit pricing and trade‑in practices but did not provide a detailed procurement breakdown; officials said they will supply cost details in follow‑up materials.
The acceptable‑use procedures (GBEE) were provided for information and will be discussed further: staff said they are drafting best practices for board members’ use of personal devices and will return with a finalized form.
No policy was adopted at the meeting; board members asked clarifying questions and acknowledged the documents had been reviewed by the district policy committee. The board expects the policies to return next month for action.
