Requires newly certified teachers to be competent in the use of an epinephrine auto-injector

2 Co-sponsors

• Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.
• Suzi Oppenheimer

BILL NUMBER:S5458B

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring newly certi- fied teachers to be competent in the use of an epinephrine auto-injector

Purpose

To require all teachers to be trained in the administration of epineph- rine auto injector devices prior to certification.

Summary of provisions

Section 1 amends the education law to add a new section 3001-e which requires newly certified teachers to be trained in the use of an epinephrine auto-injector.

Section 2 provides an effective date.

Justification

Food allergies occur in 6% to 8% of children, and according to the National Institutes of Health, there are 150 deaths per year due to food allergies. Epinephrine is vital to the survival of a person experiencing anaphylaxis (a sudden, potentially fatal reaction to food or insect stings), however, it must be administered in a timely manner to be effective.

While every school district has a medical officer, there is no require- ment that a nurse be present in a school building at all times. Given the possibility of a delay in getting a licensed healthcare provider to a child in anaphylaxis shock, it is important that teachers understand how to use an epi-pen.

It is important to note that any school staff member may administer epinephrine with an auto injector device in an emergency situation. Such a response is permitted under the Medical Practice Act (Education Law §6527 and the Nurse Practice Act (Education Law §6908 and is covered by the "Good Samaritan Law" (Public Health Law §3000-a.), and therefore carries no liability for the school or employee.

Legislative history

This is a new bill.

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediate, however the requirement applies only to those receiving their certification on or after the effective date.