(a) Notwithstanding Section 49422, a pupil who is required to take, during the regular schoolday, medication prescribed for the pupil by a physician or surgeon, may be assisted by the school nurse or other designated school personnel or may carry and self-administer inhaled asthma medication if the school district receives the appropriate written statements specified in subdivision (b).

(b) (1) In order for a pupil to be assisted by a school nurse or other designated school personnel pursuant to subdivision (a), the school district shall obtain both a written statement from the physician or surgeon detailing the name of the medication, method, amount, and time schedules by which the medication is to be taken and a written statement from the parent, foster parent, or guardian of the pupil requesting that the school district assist the pupil in the matters set forth in the statement of the physician or surgeon.

(2) (A) In order for a pupil to carry and self-administer prescription inhaled asthma medication pursuant to subdivision (a), the school district shall obtain both a written statement from the physician or surgeon detailing the name of the medication, method, amount, and time schedules by which the medication is to be taken, and confirming that the pupil is able to self-administer inhaled asthma medication, and a written statement from the parent, foster parent, or guardian of the pupil consenting to the self-administration, providing a release for the school nurse or other designated school personnel to consult with the health care provider of the pupil regarding any questions that may arise with regard to the medication, and releasing the school district and school personnel from civil liability if the self-administering pupil suffers an adverse reaction by taking medication pursuant to this section.

(B) (i) A school district shall accept the written statement from a physician or surgeon, as specified in this paragraph, from a physician or surgeon who is contracted with a health plan licensed pursuant to Section 1351.2 of the Health and Safety Code. A written statement specified in this subparagraph shall be provided in both English and Spanish, and shall include the name and contact information for the physician or surgeon.

(ii) A school nurse or other school personnel shall not be subject to professional review, be liable in a civil action, or be subject to criminal prosecution for their acts or omissions relating to a pupil self-administering inhaled asthma medication in accordance with this subparagraph. A school district shall not be subject to civil liability if a pupil self-administering inhaled asthma medication in accordance with this subparagraph suffers an adverse reaction.

(3) The written statements specified in this subdivision shall be provided at least annually and more frequently if the medication, dosage, frequency of administration, or reason for administration changes.

(c) A pupil may be subject to disciplinary action pursuant to Section 48900 if the pupil uses inhaled asthma medication in a manner other than as prescribed.

(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 101, Sec. 2. (AB 743) Effective January 1, 2020.)