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Allergies and Anaphylaxis

Background and Statutes  

In response to the increasing rate of students with diagnosed food allergies at risk for anaphylaxis, laws were passed. This occurred during the 2011, 82nd Legislative Session, and the 2015, 84th Legislative Session. The bills were codified in the Texas Education Code, Chapters 25 and 38. 

Texas Education Code, Chapter 25, Section 25.0022, requires a parent or legal guardian disclose, at the request of the school district, whether the child has a food allergy. 

Texas Education Code, Chapter 38, Section 38.0151, requires the board of trustees of each school district and the governing body or appropriate officer of each open-enrollment charter school adopt and administer a policy for the care of students with diagnosed food allergies at risk for anaphylaxis based on the guidelines developed by the legislated Ad-Hoc committee.

Texas Education Code, Subchapter E, states:

  • "each school district, open-enrollment charter school, and private school may adopt and implement a policy regarding the maintenance, administration, and disposal of epinephrine auto-injectors at each campus in the district or school."
  • “each school district, open-enrollment charter school, and private school may adopt and implement a policy authorizing a school nurse to maintain and administer asthma medicine at each campus in the district or school.”

During the 85th Legislative Session, private schools were included in the law.   

Guidelines for the Care of Students with Food Allergies 

The Commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) in consultation with the legislated SB-52 Ad-Hoc Committee developed the Guidelines for the Care of Students with Food Allergies. It is for local boards of trustees of school districts and governing bodies of open-enrollment charter schools to use. 

     Read the Guidelines for the Care of Students with Food Allergies at Risk for Anaphylaxis. [pdf]

Medications for Respiratory Distress webinar

On May 7, 2024, the Texas Asthma Control Program and School Health Program hosted the Medications for Respiratory Distress on School Campuses webinar. The goal of the webinar was to provide information on the medications for respiratory distress policy at school campuses, the work of the Asthma Program and School Health Program, and available educational resources relating to asthma.

A recording of the webinar is available on the GoToWebinar webpage and the presentation slides and frequently asked questions document can also be downloaded.

School Reports: Epinephrine Auto-Injectors and Asthma Medication 

Texas schools must report to DSHS the administration of unassigned epinephrine auto-injectors and unassigned asthma medication. School staff use the web-based Epinephrine Auto-Injectors Reporting Form and Asthma Medication Reporting Form to meet this requirement.

The School Health Program and the DSHS Chronic Disease Epidemiology Branch developed reports that include data submitted via the reporting forms. 

Unassigned Youth facilities and certain entities also must report the administration of unassigned administered epinephrine auto-injectors. Youth facilities use the Youth Facilities Reporting Form. Entities or venues use the Certain Entities Reporting Form. 

Emergency Care Plan for Students with Food Allergies 

Epinephrine Auto-Injector Resources

Stock Epinephrine Advisory Committee 

The Stock Epinephrine Advisory Committee (SEAC) examines and reviews the administration of epinephrine auto-injectors to a person experiencing an anaphylactic reaction on a school campus.  

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External links to other sites are intended to be informational and do not have the endorsement of the Texas Department of State Health Services. These sites may not be accessible to persons with disabilities. For more information about any of the organizations listed, contact the sponsoring organization.   

Texas School Health Program

Texas School Health Program

Get in Touch

Get in Touch

Email
Phone
512-776-7279
Fax
512-776-7555
Mailing Address

Texas School Health Program
PO Box 149347, MC 1945
Austin, TX 78714-9347
United States