Bill > H590

This bill requires all schools in Massachusetts to maintain a stock supply of epinephrine (commonly known as EpiPens) for emergency use by students experiencing anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. The bill mandates that the Department of Public Health create regulations for implementing this requirement, including specifying that the epinephrine must be stored in an easily accessible, unlocked location, with the number and type of auto-injectors determined by the school's population. The regulations will also establish training requirements for school staff authorized to administer epinephrine. Importantly, the bill provides legal protection for school nurses and other authorized individuals who administer epinephrine in good faith during an emergency, shielding them from civil liability. The cost of supplying these non-patient specific epinephrine auto-injectors will be assessed on surcharge payors and collected according to existing healthcare regulations. This legislation aims to ensure that schools are prepared to respond quickly and effectively to potentially life-threatening allergic emergencies, protecting students with known and unknown allergies.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H590