Bill > H415

This bill requires all schools to keep a supply of epinephrine auto-injectors, which are devices used to inject a life-saving medication called epinephrine, readily available for use in emergencies. These auto-injectors will not be assigned to a specific student but will be available for any student experiencing a severe allergic reaction, known as anaphylaxis. The Department of Public Health will create rules for schools, ensuring the epinephrine is stored in an accessible, unlocked place, with the quantity and type of auto-injectors determined by the school's student population. The regulations will also mandate training for school staff who administer the medication and require regular checks of the inventory to ensure the auto-injectors are not expired. Importantly, school nurses and other trained staff who administer epinephrine in good faith to a student believed to be having an anaphylactic reaction will be protected from civil lawsuits for negligence, and the school district will also be shielded from liability in such cases. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Public Health and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to seek federal funding to help cover the costs of implementing these new requirements.