Ridgefield to update student‑medication policy to allow nasal sprays and maintain naloxone option

The Ridgefield policy committee reviewed proposed updates to Policy 5141.21 (administration of student medications) that reflect recent statutory changes and Shipman & Goodwin model edits. Nursing supervisor Miss Fitzgerald explained the changes, noting that newer products allow nasal delivery of glucagon and epinephrine and that model language (from Public Act 25‑143) broadens allowable delivery mechanisms beyond injection‑only.

"The change is to be sure that we ... are allowed the ability to give these medications not only through an auto injector but through nasal spray," Miss Fitzgerald said, noting the district already stocks nasal formulations in schools.

Committee members also discussed language about opioid antagonists (naloxone). The draft includes optional provisions allowing districts to make naloxone available in secured vending machines; Miss Fitzgerald said the district currently stores naloxone with AED cabinets in secured locations and that she did not think a vending machine was necessary now. "We don't need at this time a vending machine," she said, while noting the policy's "may" language would preserve the district's future flexibility if local needs change.

The committee also discussed training and delegation: bus drivers and other staff may be trained to administer emergency medications but can decline that responsibility; the nursing office handles arrangements (for example by assigning a nurse or ensuring a parent attends a field trip when a staff member declines). The nursing supervisor and staff will finalize minor optional language (signage, secure storage choices) and bring a cleaned redline to the full board for first read.

Next steps: staff to incorporate minor edits (add naloxone language where appropriate, note optional vending‑machine language as permissive 'may'), confirm training/coverage procedures in writing, and present for first read.