What's happening
This bill requires all New York schools to train staff, stock epinephrine auto-injectors, and establish protocols for treating student anaphylaxis.
Why it matters
Reduces risk of fatal allergic reactions. By requiring at least two easily accessible epinephrine auto-injectors in every school and mandating staff training, the bill ensures faster emergency response for students experiencing life-threatening anaphylaxis, even if they have no prior allergy diagnosis.
Expands staff responsibility and preparedness. Designated and trained school personnel—not just nurses—can administer epinephrine, increasing the likelihood that a qualified individual is present during all school hours, including extracurricular activities.
Increases transparency and parental awareness. Mandating that schools notify parents at the start of each year about the potential use of epinephrine on any student helps families understand emergency protocols and prepares them for possible interventions involving their children.
Limits legal liability for staff. By providing protection from liability for staff who administer epinephrine in good faith and in compliance with the law, the bill encourages timely action in emergencies without fear of legal repercussions, potentially saving lives.
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Who cares
Elementary and secondary school administrators
Schools would have to stock at least two epinephrine auto-injectors in separate accessible, secure locations, train personnel and plan for trained coverage during all operating hours.
School staff volunteering to administer epinephrine
Designated volunteers would need training meeting appropriate medical standards, and compliant schools and staff would receive liability protection for reasonable, good-faith administration.
Students at risk of anaphylaxis and their families
Schools would be equipped to administer epinephrine to any student reasonably believed to be suffering from anaphylaxis and would notify parents or guardians at the start of the school year.
Emergency medical services
School officials would have to call 911 as soon as safely possible after administering an auto-injector.
Headline styles
Require EpiPens in Schools
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
2 Co-sponsors
History
- Referred to health
- Referred to health
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
529
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
January 9, 2017
Introduced by M. of A. ROSENTHAL, WEPRIN, CURRAN -- read once and referred to the Committee on Health
AN ACT to amend the public health law, in relation to epinephrine autoinjectors in schools
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The public health law is amended by adding a new section 3000-cc to read as follows:
§ 3000-cc. Epinephrine in schools. 1. For purposes of this section:
(a) "Anaphylaxis" means a potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to a substance.
i. Symptoms of anaphylaxis may include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, difficulty talking or swallowing, hives, itching, swelling, shock, or asthma.
ii. Causes of anaphylaxis may include, but are not limited to, insect stings or bites, foods, drugs, and other allergens, as well as idiopathic or exercise-induced anaphylaxis.
(b) "Trained personnel" with respect to an elementary or secondary school shall mean an individual:
i. who has been designated by the principal (or other appropriate administrative staff) of the school to administer epinephrine on a voluntary basis outside their scope of employment;
ii. who has received training in the administration of epinephrine; and
iii. whose training in the administration of epinephrine meets appropriate medical standards.
2. (a) Each school shall train school personnel to administer epinephrine to any student of the school reasonably believed to be suffering from anaphylaxis.
(b) The minimum training provided by each school in the administration of epinephrine shall include but not be limited to:
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD01775-01-7
A. 529 2
i. Techniques for recognizing circumstances, signs, and symptoms of anaphylaxis; and
ii. Standards and procedures for proper storage and emergency use of epinephrine auto-injectors.
3. Each school shall maintain at least two epinephrine auto-injectors (epi-pens) in separate, secure locations that are easily accessible by the relevant trained personnel of the school for the purpose of administration to any student of the school reasonably believed to be suffering from anaphylaxis.
4. Each school is required to have in place a plan for having on the premises of the school during all operating hours, one or more individuals who are trained personnel in the administration of epinephrine.
5. Each school shall send notification home at the beginning of the school year to all parents and/or guardians informing them that an epinephrine auto-injector could be administered to their child in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.
6. School officials shall obtain epi-pens from the appropriate medical professionals, but a prescription is not required for their administration.
7. School officials shall call 911 emergency services as soon as safely possible after administering an epi-pen.
8. Schools and/or staff members who are otherwise in compliance with the requirements of this section shall not be held liable for the reasonable and good faith administration of the epi-pen pursuant to this section.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.