Nurses present first read to add stock albuterol to district health policy
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Summary
District nurses proposed adding stock emergency albuterol inhalers under Ed. Code 49414.7 and a CDPH standing order; they cited local asthma prevalence, outlined implementation steps and estimated a modest startup cost; the board held a first read and will return for a vote later.
Norris School District nurses outlined a proposal to add stock albuterol inhalers to the district's medication and health policy during a first reading of proposed revisions.
"In January 2024, there was an Ed code passed 49414.7 that allows school districts to maintain a stock of emergency albuterol," nurse Morgan Howard said, citing a California Department of Public Health standing order that permits use of district-maintained rescue inhalers in emergencies.
Howard and colleague Alicia presented clinical rationale and local data: they reported 306 students across district campuses with a diagnosed asthma condition as of January 2026 and said only 124 student-specific albuterol inhalers were on campuses, roughly 40 percent of known asthma cases. They told trustees that when a student lacks an on-campus inhaler, staff now must call 911 or call a parent to bring medication.
"Asthma exacerbations'. they are sudden, quick onset, and they can quickly escalate," Howard said, and added that earlier administration of albuterol can prevent escalation and hospitalization.
The nurses outlined an implementation plan mirroring existing stock-epinephrine and Narcan procedures: obtain a CDPH standing order, acquire kits and disposable holding chambers, establish storage/handling and documentation protocols, and provide voluntary training for credentialed school nurses and designated staff. They also presented a cost estimate: an initial kit of six inhalers, holding chambers, carrying cases and pulse oximeters would cost approximately $700 districtwide for the configuration described; the presenters noted inhaler replacement timing depends on expiration dates and may not be an annual recurring purchase.
Trustees praised the thoroughness of the presentation. Because this was a first reading of policy revisions, no board action was taken; the item will return for a subsequent vote if the board schedules it.
The presentation referenced state law (Ed. Code 49414.7) and CDPH guidance as the legal basis for a district-level standing order and implementation.