CDPH Albuterol Standing Order Frequently Asked Questions
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Is this a one-time program? Can I apply again after the expiration date of December 31st, 2025?
The Albuterol Standing Order is an ongoing program. Applications can be renewed annually by completing another online application form. The renewal application for albuterol standing orders will become available on January 1st each year.
How often do standing orders for stock albuterol administration in California schools need to be renewed?
The CDPH Albuterol Standing Order will automatically expire each year on December 31st. The standing order can be renewed annually by completing another online application form on or after January 1st each year.
Why does the CDPH Albuterol Standing Order expire December 31st, 2025, and not reflect the academic calendar which runs July–June?
The Albuterol Standing Order timeframe runs on a calendar year to correlate with the timeframe required for the Epinephrine Standing Order and provides consistency for schools in ordering standing order medications.
How do I report using the albuterol metered-dose inhaler (MDI)?
When albuterol is administered, standing-order recipients are required to report on instances within three business days of administering an MDI. To report to CDPH, fill out the Administration of Stock Albuterol Reporting form.
How do I update or make changes to my standing order application? For example, I need to add a school to our standing order.
Contact SafeSchoolsTeam@cdph.ca.gov to update your current standing order. Please include what information you would like to update or change in the body of your email. Once changes are made, a new PDF copy of the completed standing order will be sent via email to the email address on file from your original application. Please do not complete another standing order application.
Is my school eligible to participate in the CDPH Albuterol Standing Order?
The Education Code specific to the Albuterol Standing Order (§ 49414.7) describes which schools are eligible to obtain and utilize stock albuterol.
Are preschools eligible to apply for the albuterol standing order?
Under California Education Code 49414.7, some preschool sites may be eligible to develop a stock albuterol program if they are co-located on a TK-12 site. Please contact the California Department of Education (CDE) for questions on preschool eligibility at OSBHP@cde.ca.gov.
Will CDPH be distributing stock albuterol or spacers?
CDPH will not be distributing stock albuterol
medication. Stock albuterol and spacers may be obtained by presenting the
Standing Order at a local or online pharmacy.
Please contact SafeSchoolsTeam@cdph.ca.gov if
you need assistance locating a pharmacy that accepts the Albuterol Standing
Order.
How do I order a new albuterol metered-dose inhaler (MDI) or more spacers when our supply is used? Do I need to complete another online application?
As the CDPH Standing Order authorizes “refills as needed," you may use your Standing Order to obtain additional albuterol MDIs and/or spacers as needed. You do not need to complete another online application form to obtain additional albuterol or spacers within the calendar year your Standing Order is valid.
Can we request additional albuterol metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) or spacers for separate facilities or activities, such as athletic facilities, field trips, and so forth?
As the CDPH Standing Order authorizes “refills as needed," you may use your Standing Order to obtain additional albuterol MDIs and/or spacers as needed from a local or online pharmacy. Please contact SafeSchoolsTeam@cdph.ca.gov if you need assistance locating a pharmacy that accepts the Albuterol Standing Order.
How should schools dispose of used or inoperable albuterol MDIs?
Do not discard used, inoperable, or expired Albuterol metered-dose inhalers (MDIs) in regular household trash or recycling bins. Schools should call Med Take Back California at (844) 4-TAKE-BACK (844-482-5322) or visit to locate a licensed pharmacy drop-off or mail-back program; or contact their local Household Hazardous Waste facility or County Environmental Health Department for guidance.