Requires newly certified teachers to be trained in the use of an epinephrine auto-injector; to be certified within 3 months of date of hire

5 Co-sponsors

• Greg Ball
• Simcha Felder
• George Latimer
• Michael H. Ranzenhofer
• Joseph E. Robach

BILL NUMBER:S4876

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring newly certified teachers to receive instruction 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.

Summary of provisions

Section 1: The education law is amended by adding a new section 3001-e.

Section 2: The effective date is established.

Justification

Food allergies occur in approximately 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 experi- encing 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 4 a and the Nurse Practice Act (Education Law g6906 1 a iv) and is covered by the "Good Samaritan Law" (Public Health Law § 3000a.), and therefore carries no liability for the school or employee.

Legislative history

A.8977 of 2011-2012

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately and shall apply to classroom teachers that have been certified after such effective date.