PURPOSE OF THIS POLICY

Anaphylaxis is a rare but serious reaction that can affect several areas of the body and may threaten breathing and blood circulation. Food allergy is the most common cause of anaphylaxis, although several other allergens, such as insect stings, medications, or latex may also be triggers. Epinephrine is a highly effective medication that can reverse the severe symptoms of anaphylaxis when promptly administered. Epinephrine is available through an Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EAI). The purpose of this policy is to allow Campus Units to obtain approval from an authorized committee for the purchase, placement, use and maintenance of EAIs in areas they manage, including where students gather in the largest volumes like residence and dining halls. 

APPLICATION OF THIS POLICY

This policy applies to the university and all Campus Units that wish to provide for the purchase, placement, use and maintenance of EAIs in areas they manage.  

EXEMPTIONS FROM THIS POLICY

This policy does not apply to EAIs within CSU Health Network facilities that are not designated as public access, the acquisition or use of an EAI by a healthcare provider employed by or acting as an agent of the university, or to self-administration of personally prescribed EAIs by any individual. 

DEFINITIONS USED IN THIS POLICY 

Campus Unit: A college, department, program, office, or other operating unit of Colorado State University, including, but not limited to, units located on the main Fort Collins campus that oversee areas where students gather in large volumes.

Epinephrine Auto-Injector (EAI): A device for the automatic injection of epinephrine into the human body to prevent or treat a life-threatening allergic reaction.

EAI Program: A program initiated by a Campus Unit for the purchase, placement, use and maintenance of EAIs in strategic areas to promote safety and help respond to anaphylaxis emergencies.

EAI Program Task Force: A task force authorized to review and approve EAI Program proposals initiated by a Campus Unit. The task force shall have representatives from the CSU Health Network, Risk Management and Insurance, Environmental Health Services, and Public Safety. Additional representatives may be included if deemed necessary or advisable by the task force.

POLICY STATEMENT

Colorado State University is committed to promoting the health and safety of the campus community. Providing for the acquisition and a stock of a supply of EAIs, together with review and approval of proposed EAI Programs by Campus Units, including where students gather in the largest volumes such as residence and dining halls, is important to such efforts. 

POLICY PROVISIONS 

Campus Units seeking approval of an EAI Program must submit proposals to the EAI Program Task Force for review and approval. Proposals must meet minimum requirements established by the EAI Program Task Force, which may include consideration of the following:

1. Methods of legal purchase of EAIs;
2. Proper storage and maintenance EAIs;
3. Location of EAIs, including possible installation of public access stations near other emergency response equipment such as Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs);
4. Training of key personnel on proper use and maintenance of EAIs;
5. How the Campus Unit will fund the EAI Program; and
6. How EAIs align with existing emergency response systems and resources; and
7. Other considerations deemed relevant by the EAI Program Task Force.

Upon receipt of an EAI Program request, the EAI Task Force will promptly convene to review the request and either decline, approve, or approve with modifications any EAI Program request. 

As needed, the EAI Task Force will prioritize its review of EAI Programs for Campus Units that regularly have activities or events at which allergens capable of causing anaphylaxis may be present, including housing, dining, daycare facilities, and recreational activities.  

COMPLIANCE WITH THIS POLICY

All Campus Units that wish to develop an EAI program in their area must comply with this policy.

REFERENCES

C.R.S. § 23-5-149(7)