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 broader range of administration methods, including alternatives like nasal spray. 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.

In youth camps, the bill allows health directors and trained designees to administer one unit dose epinephrine without prior written authorization from a camper's parent or guardian in certain emergency situations, thereby facilitating quicker response times. It clarifies that trained designees are not to perform the duties of licensed medical professionals and ensures that the administration of epinephrine is permissible under lawful prescriptions. The bill mandates that each institution must have a policy for emergency epinephrine administration, including training protocols established by licensed medical professionals, and provides liability protections for schools and their employees, promoting a proactive approach to managing allergic emergencies.

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