This bill amends existing laws to enhance the administration of epinephrine in schools, institutions of higher education, and youth camps during anaphylactic emergencies. It replaces the previously mandated "pre-filled auto-injector mechanism" with "one unit dose epinephrine," allowing for a wider range of delivery methods, including potential future advancements like nasal sprays. The bill outlines the responsibilities of school boards and administrators to develop policies for epinephrine administration, which include obtaining written authorization from parents or guardians, ensuring trained personnel are available, and maintaining an accessible supply of epinephrine. It also emphasizes the need for proper training for school nurses and designated staff to effectively respond to anaphylaxis.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that trained designees in educational settings can administer epinephrine to individuals without a known history of anaphylaxis if they suspect an anaphylactic reaction is occurring. It mandates that youth camp operators develop similar emergency epinephrine administration policies, ensuring trained staff can respond when healthcare providers are unavailable. The bill establishes requirements for youth camps, including maintaining a standardized training protocol for designees and securing a supply of one unit dose epinephrine as prescribed by a licensed physician. It also specifies circumstances under which written authorization from a camper's parent or guardian is not required for emergency administration, with the act set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 18A:40-12.5, 18A:40-12.6, 18A:40-12.3, 18A:61D-13, 18A:61D-14, 18A:61D-18, 26:12-19, 26:12-20, 26:12-22