Requiring schools to maintain a supply of EpiPen injectors and epinephrine nasal spray for use in event of an emergency.
In addition to the requirement for supplying EpiPens, the bill establishes that schools must submit annual reports to the Department of Education detailing their supply and use of the injectors. This provision aims to ensure accountability and effective oversight, promoting compliance with the new law. Moreover, the bill stipulates that at least one designated assistive personnel must be available at all times during school hours, trained to respond to potential allergic emergencies. This stipulation is critical as it directly influences school staffing and training practices.
House Bill 677 mandates that public schools must maintain a supply of epinephrine auto-injectors, such as EpiPens, for use in allergic emergencies. This legislation is designed to enhance the safety of students who may be at risk of severe allergic reactions, ensuring that life-saving medication is readily available in schools without delay. The responsibility for maintaining the supplies and determining the proper quantity and type of medication is placed on school districts, specifically under the direction of an employed or contracted school nurse.
Furthermore, while there is general support for the idea of increasing safety in schools, there may be concerns regarding the requirement for ongoing training for designated assistive personnel. Ensuring that all staff are adequately trained to address severe allergic reactions varies by district and may be challenging, particularly in smaller or underfunded schools.