Skip to main content

SDLA Compliance Resource

Control Stock Emergency Albuterol When the LEA Elects the Program

An optional-program operating system for lawful authorization, volunteer notice and training, accessible supply, inspections, respiratory-distress response, use logs, EMS activation, and restocking.

  • Health
  • Respiratory Emergency
  • Optional Program
Date(s)If elected, establish controls before stocking or use; distribute volunteer information and provide initial/annual refresher training; inspect supply continuously
Applies toCalifornia school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools choosing to implement Education Code section 49414.7

In Plain Language: Stock albuterol is an optional emergency program for a pupil reasonably believed to be in respiratory distress. If the LEA elects it, the LEA must follow the statute and CDE training standards—authorization, volunteers, training, storage, administration, documentation, and replacement.

Why this matters

Stock albuterol can bridge an emergency, including for a pupil without an available personal inhaler, but it does not replace the pupil's prescribed asthma plan or emergency medical evaluation.

Joint ownership

Program decision: governing/administrative authority. Clinical owner: school nurse/authorizing physician or surgeon. Responders: trained volunteers. Partners: pharmacy, EMS, facilities, athletics, transportation, and family communication.

Operational workflow

  1. 1. Document the LEA election, authorizing physician, prescription/standing order, product/device, sites, and local policy.
  2. 2. Annually recruit volunteers; provide initial and annual refresher training and competency verification.
  3. 3. Maintain secure-accessible storage, spacers/devices as required, inventory, lot/expiration checks, and activity coverage.
  4. 4. Respond to respiratory distress using training, the student's plan when available, emergency activation, monitoring, and EMS handoff.
  5. 5. Record each use and inspection; notify as required, replace supplies, and review outcomes.

Keep three medication systems distinct

  • Personal inhaler: Pupil-specific prescription and authorization/action plan.
  • Stock albuterol: Optional LEA emergency program under section 49414.7.
  • Epinephrine: Separate mandatory anaphylaxis-readiness system under section 49414.

Evidence to retain

  • Program election, policy, order/prescription, and product records
  • Volunteer notice, training, and competence roster
  • Inventory/storage/expiration inspection log
  • Emergency response and administration record
  • EMS/parent notification, restocking, and after-action review

Official guidance and help

Source review completed August 30, 2026. Verify current law, official health guidance, local health-department instructions, licensed-provider orders, individual pupil circumstances, and local policy before acting. This operational resource does not replace clinical judgment or emergency services.