Louisiana Senate Bill SB119

Louisiana 2012 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/12/12
• Refer: 3/12/12
• Report Pass: 4/2/12
• Engrossed: 4/10/12
• Refer: 4/11/12
• Report Pass: 5/15/12
• Enrolled: 5/31/12
• Chaptered: 6/7/12
• Passed: 6/7/12

Caption

Provides for administration of auto-injectable epinephrine by a school nurse or trained school employee. (gov sig)

Impact

The bill provides a framework for schools to maintain a supply of auto-injectable epinephrine and mandates that this policy be included in student handbooks as well as communicated to parents or guardians of students at risk of anaphylaxis. This initiative not only aims to improve student health outcomes in emergencies but also signifies a shift towards proactive measures in managing student health and safety within educational environments.

Summary

Senate Bill 119 aims to enhance the safety of public school students by allowing school nurses and trained school employees to administer auto-injectable epinephrine to students who are experiencing anaphylactic reactions. This provision is crucial for emergencies, enabling immediate response regardless of whether the student has a prior prescription for epinephrine. The legislation requires all public elementary and secondary schools in Louisiana to adopt this policy, ensuring that at least one staff member at each school is trained in the administration of this life-saving medication.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB 119 appears to be positive. Many legislators and public health advocates support the bill, highlighting the urgency of addressing life-threatening allergies among students. The collaborative nature of the bill, backed by health professionals who would provide necessary training, reflects a commitment to protecting the welfare of students and ensuring that staff are equipped to handle allergic emergencies.

Contention

While there is significant support for SB 119, some concerns may revolve around the implementation of the policy and the associated training requirements for school staff. Questions may arise regarding the availability of training resources and whether all schools, particularly those in underserved areas, will be able to effectively meet the legislation's requirements. Nevertheless, the overall consensus is that the benefits of the bill in preventing anaphylactic incidents in schools outweigh potential implementation challenges.