School - Asthma Policies and Law

Michigan School Inhaler Law

Legislation allowing Michigan public and nonpublic school children, under certain conditions, to carry and self administer prescribed asthma and allergy medications on school grounds and during school sponsored activities was amended to the Michigan School Code in 2000 and 2004.This ensures that students with asthma and allergies have immediate access to life-saving medications.

• Learn more about the conditions and the law with this Fact Sheet
• Summary of Law
• Promotional Flyer

Michigan Law allows students to carry a rescue inhaler in school to treat asthma symptoms, as long as certain conditions are met. Learn more about the conditions and the law with this Fact Sheet.

• Student Inhaler Agreement

School “Epi-pen” Law

Each Michigan public and nonpublic school must have two auto-injectable epinephrine (AIE) devices, commonly known as “epi-pens,” on hand. This legislation amended the Michigan School Code and Public Health Code to make sure students and staff members with severe allergic reactions have quick access to life-saving medications. This law:

• requires each school board to make and use policies around this law, based on updated medication administration guidelines from the Department of Education and others
• requires each school board to try to get funds for the AIEs from an outside source before applying to the Department of Education for unfunded costs
• allows a doctor to prescribe AIEs to a school board, and a pharmacist to fill that prescription
• requires each school to have at least 2 employees trained to use AIEs safely and appropriately in allergy emergencies
• addresses liability concerns for the school and those who prescribe or administer this medication in good-faith
• FAQs about this law

Individuals with Disabilities Act 1997

Reasonable Accommodations Law allowing students with Asthma to qualify for a 504 Plan for use within the K-12 school setting.

Model Policy for Supporting Students with Asthma in Schools – Updated June 2022

The State Board of Education is convinced that the benefits of a clear school policy for supporting students with asthma can make a difference in school performance. This policy builds on existing asthma best practices including Michigan’s asthma inhaler and epinephrine auto-injector law, the Whole School, Whole Community, Whole Child model, and national strategies from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, School-Based Allergy, Asthma and Anaphylaxis Management Program™, the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program.

Tobacco Free Schools

In keeping with its mandate to protect Michigan students and foster effective learning environments, the Michigan State Board of Education strongly recommends that schools institute local tobacco-free schools policies that prohibit all tobacco use in all school-related situations, 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and 365 days per year.