The bill aims to expand access to albuterol in public and private schools in Washington State, allowing school districts and private schools to maintain a supply of albuterol for emergency use starting in the 2027-28 school year. Schools can acquire albuterol through donations, provided it is accompanied by a prescription. A licensed health professional, such as the secretary of health or their designee, is authorized to prescribe albuterol for schools, which must be administered according to established procedures. The bill also clarifies that existing prescription practices for students with their own albuterol prescriptions remain unchanged.

Additionally, the bill amends existing laws to include albuterol in the statewide standing orders for medications that can be administered by school personnel during emergencies. It establishes liability protections for health professionals and school staff administering albuterol, provided they comply with the prescribed guidelines. The bill mandates that school districts update their training policies to include procedures for administering albuterol and allows for the adoption of specific policies regarding its use. Overall, the legislation seeks to ensure that students experiencing respiratory issues, such as asthma, have timely access to necessary medication while at school.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 43.70.827, 28A.210.370