The proposed legislation, known as "Elijah's Law," aims to establish a comprehensive statewide anaphylaxis policy for childcare facilities in Arkansas. The bill mandates the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Department of Health and the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education, to create guidelines and procedures for preventing and treating anaphylaxis in children. This includes developing emergency protocols, training staff on food allergy management, and ensuring access to necessary medications like epinephrine. The policy will also require childcare facilities to communicate effectively with parents about their children's food allergies and the measures in place to protect them.
Additionally, the bill outlines specific requirements for the content of the anaphylaxis policy, including emergency treatment plans, individualized healthcare plans for children with allergies, and strategies to minimize exposure to allergens. Childcare facilities will be required to notify parents of the anaphylaxis policy upon enrollment and to implement the policy within six months of receiving it from the Department of Education. The legislation also allows childcare facilities to apply for federal funding to support training and the procurement of necessary medical supplies, ensuring that they are equipped to handle potential anaphylactic emergencies effectively.