School board approves updated anaphylaxis policy adding needleless Neffy nasal spray

The Scott County School Board unanimously approved a revised anaphylaxis policy on Nov. 6 that adds Neffy epinephrine nasal spray to the division’s stock emergency treatments and updates protocols for storage, dosing and administration.

Courtney Bolling, Scott County Public Schools’ School Nurse Coordinator, presented the policy and told the board the change responds to updated state guidelines and adds a needleless option available through the Neffy for Schools program. The policy as approved requires each school to stock both concentrations of Neffy nasal spray and epinephrine auto‑injectors, to perform monthly expiration and storage checks, and to use a standardized incident form whenever epinephrine is administered.

The policy specifies dosing tied to student weight, permits trained licensed and unlicensed personnel to administer stock epinephrine in an emergency, and directs staff to call 911 after administration. It also establishes a division standing order (a non‑student‑specific order) to authorize use of stock epinephrine for students believed to be having an anaphylactic reaction on school grounds; standing orders must be renewed annually.

Board members approved the policy on a motion by Chair David Templeton, seconded by Mr. Bill Houseright. The policy document cites the Code of Virginia protections for persons rendering emergency care (Code of Virginia § 8.01‑225) and requires that used devices accompany the student to the emergency room and be retained in the student’s medical record.

What happens next: Schools must implement the documented training schedule for unlicensed personnel, stock and check the specified devices and incorporate the updated “Report of Anaphylactic Reaction” form into their medical‑records process. The division will also need to ensure its authorized medical prescriber issues or renews the standing order annually.