Auto-Injector Law Passed! Talk to Your Child's School About Emergency Action

Law Passed - Emergency Epinephrine Auto-Injectors Allowed in Schools

Yesterday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that allows schools to have un-designated emergency epinephrine auto-injectors in schools.  This means that the auto injectors at school do not need to be prescribed to a specific student, and that they can be used by trained administrators for any staff member or student who is in an anaphylactic emergency.

This is great news for parents with children who are at risk at school, and follows in the wake of deaths in different states around the country, because an auto injector was not available, or not available in time. It also allows states to begin potentially requiring schools to carry the injectors.

An Artilce from CBS:  http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-204_162-57596316/house-passes-bill-to-help-put-anti-allergy-meds-in-schools/

Create Your Child's Action Plan

It is a great idea to begin discussions with your school now, as school years commence, about your child's emergency action plan, if they need one.

Here is a great article to help you get started:  How Can Parents Feel Less Stress with an Allergic Child in School?

Press Release

From the FARE website:

U.S. House of Representatives Passes School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act

Legislation Could Save Lives in Schools Nationwide

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

McLean, Va. (July 30, 2013) - The U.S. House of Representatives voted Tuesday to approve the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act (H.R. 2094), important legislation championed by Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) that will help protect students with food allergies.

The bill, introduced by Rep. Phil Roe, M.D. (R-TN) and House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (MD), encourages states to adopt laws requiring schools to have on hand “stock” epinephrine auto-injectors, which is epinephrine that is not prescribed to a specific student but can be used for any student or staff member in an anaphylactic emergency. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and can be fatal.

“We applaud the House for recognizing the need for schools to be prepared to protect students with life-threatening food allergies by passing this legislation, and we thank Dr. Roe and Rep. Hoyer for their unequivocal support,” said John L. Lehr, chief executive officer of FARE. “This is a tremendous victory, but we still have work to do to enact this legislation. We look forward to working with our champions in the Senate, Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL), so that this legislation can be approved and sent to the President for signature.”

About half of states have laws or guidelines in place allowing schools to stock undesignated epinephrine auto-injectors. The proposed federal legislation would provide an incentive for states to require schools to stock epinephrine.

In addition to FARE, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the American Academy of Emergency Medicine and the National Association of Elementary School Principals have endorsed the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act.

Learn more at FARE (www.foodallergy.org)