What's happening
This bill requires New York schools to maintain epinephrine auto-injectors, train staff to administer them, and notify parents.
Why it matters
Directly addresses life-threatening emergencies. By requiring schools to maintain epinephrine auto-injectors and train staff, the bill ensures a rapid response to severe allergic reactions, which can be fatal if not treated within minutes.
Establishes consistent protocols statewide. Mandates at least two auto-injectors in separate, accessible locations and that trained personnel are always present during school hours, reducing disparities in emergency preparedness between schools.
Expands access and protection. Removes the prescription requirement for epinephrine administration and provides legal protection for staff acting in good faith, reducing hesitation to act quickly in emergencies.
Increases transparency for families. The notification requirement ensures parents are fully informed that their child could receive emergency treatment at school, supporting informed consent and communication.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Sponsors
1 Co-sponsor
History
- Referred to health
- Referred to health
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
645
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY (Prefiled)
January 9, 2019
Introduced by M. of A. L. ROSENTHAL, WEPRIN -- 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.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06055-01-9
A. 645 2
(b) The minimum training provided by each school in the administration of epinephrine shall include but not be limited to:
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.