Relates to the purchase of rescue inhalers for students by school districts and boards of cooperative educational services

BILL NUMBER:S5915

Title of bill

An act to amend the education law, in relation to rescue inhalers

Purpose or general idea of bill

This bill would allow nebulizers to be made available on school property and at any school function.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1, amends section 916 of the education law to allow schools to purchase nebulizers.

Section 2, effective date.

Justification

Asthma is a lung disease that makes breathing difficult for millions of Americans, both young and old. Approximately 17 million Americans have asthma, which is a disorder caused by inflammation in the airways that lead to the lungs. This inflammation causes airways to tighten and narrow, which blocks air from flowing freely into the lungs, making it hard to breathe. There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed and treated with medication like inhalers and nebulizers, for more serious forms of asthma.

In 2003, a college football player who only had access to an albuterol inhaler, died when he suffered an asthma attack on the field. The potential for death from an asthma attack exists on the athletic field, both during and after an athletic competition. It is vital that our student athletes and school staff have access to the best treatment during a medical emergency.

Prior legislative history

New Bill

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

This act shall take effect on the same date and in the same manner as section 1 of chapter 423 of the laws of 2014, takes effect.