(1) A school-age provider must obtain written instructions (the individual care plan) from the child's health care provider and parent or guardian when caring for a child with a known food allergy or special dietary requirement due to a health condition. The individual care plan pursuant to WAC 110-301-0300 must:
- (a) Identify foods that must not be consumed by the child and steps to take in the case of an unintended allergic reaction;
- (b) Identify foods that can substitute for allergenic foods; and
(c) Provide a specific treatment plan for the school-age provider to follow in response to an allergic reaction. The specific treatment plan must include the:
- (i) Names of all medication to be administered;
- (ii) Directions for how to administer the medication;
- (iii) Directions related to medication dosage amounts; and
- (iv) Description of allergic reactions and symptoms associated with the child's particular allergies.
- (2) A school-age provider must arrange with the parents or guardians of a child in care to ensure the school-age program has the necessary medication, training, and equipment to properly manage a child's food allergies.
(3) If a child suffers from an allergic reaction, the school-age provider must immediately:
- (a) Administer medication pursuant to the instructions in that child's individual care plan;
- (b) Contact 911 whenever epinephrine or other lifesaving medication has been administered; and
(c) Notify the parents or guardians of a child if it is suspected or appears that any of the following occurred, or is occurring:
- (i) The child is having an allergic reaction; or
- (ii) The child consumed or came in contact with a food identified by the parents or guardians that must not be consumed by the child, even if the child is not having or did not have an allergic reaction.
- (4) A school-age provider must review each child's individual care plan information for food allergies prior to serving food to children.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 43.216.055 and 43.216.065. WSR 21-10-035, § 110-301-0186, filed 4/27/21, effective 6/1/21.]