Committee keeps naloxone, clarifies epinephrine and medication policies for district schools

The Duluth Public School District policy committee on Nov. 13 reviewed several health-related policy updates, including Policy 516 (student medication and telehealth) and Policy 516.5 (overdose medication/naloxone). Staff said both policies reflect recent legislative language and prior local review, and recommended retaining the naloxone policy as an optional but important life‑saving measure.

Key points: Staff said the district now maintains a standing order for epinephrine and has student‑specific epinephrine devices in health offices. A staff member summarized the change: "we do have a standing order" and described district processes to track doses and expirations.

Naloxone (opioid antagonist) policy: The proposed Policy 516.5 authorizes the district to acquire, store and administer naloxone (Narcan) on district property during the school day for individuals suspected of experiencing an opioid overdose. A district health staff member said the policy is optional under MSBA guidance but argued for keeping it: "people that reviewed this from the Duluth School perspective appreciated keep it in... we're saving lives." The staff member also said naloxone is stored in AED boxes in school hallways and monitored by nurses.

Student possession and training: Committee members asked whether the allowance for grades 9–12 to possess an opioid antagonist refers to personally carried doses; staff confirmed students in grades 9–12 may possess those doses and that staff are trained to administer naloxone from stored supplies. Staff said they would check whether students are trained to administer naloxone in high school curricula and follow up.

Next steps and context: The policies were described as previously reviewed in 2023 and Feb. 2025 and will appear on the Nov. 18 consent agenda. Staff offered to bring a school nurse to a future meeting if the board wants operational detail on training and storage.