State lawmakers unanimously passed a bill this week allowing schools, camps and athletic programs to stock epinephrine, which can be used to stop possibly fatal allergic reactions.
The bill will become law as soon as Gov. John Kasich signs it.
Currently, only students who have a prescription for an epinephrine auto-injector can use the medicine, which is adrenaline that slows severe allergic reactions called anaphylaxis.
Childhood allergies are on the rise, according to multiple reports, and children might experience their first allergic reaction at school or summer camp. School nurses are unable to administer another student’s epinephrine to a student experiencing anaphylaxis. Their only option is to call 9-1-1 and hope medical personnel reach the student quickly.
“Twenty-five percent of children have their first reaction at school,” said Kate King, president of the Ohio Association of School Nurses, which pushed for the legislation. “This makes it easy for schools to stock that and then we can save that child’s life. We don’t have to be put in the moral and ethical dilemma of watching a child die while waiting for an ambulance or illegally using another child’s epinephrine.”
House Bill 296 allows schools, camps and athletic trainers to stock epinephrine auto-injectors for use on any student or participant and recommends two auto-injectors per school. It also grants immunity from civil lawsuits to school and camp employees who handle or administer the medication.
Auto-injectors contain one dose of epinephrine in a plastic tube that protects a needle. The tube is pressed against the outer thigh to allow the needle to inject the medicine.
EpiPens or Auvi-Q auto-injectors can cost more than $100. The bill allows schools and camps to accept free or reduced-price auto-injectors from companies. School boards have the final say whether schools stock epinephrine, how much, who pays for it and who can administer it.
Click here to read more of this story.
About Marion Online News
