2011-03

To Encourage School Systems To Have Epinephrine Readily Available For Treating Anaphylactic Reactions

Arce Ferrer (PR) Introduced July 23 Executive Committee Meeting (Adopted)

WHEREAS, anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death; and

WHEREAS, anaphylaxis is commonly caused by a variety of triggers including food, medication, latex and insect stings; and

WHEREAS, twelve million Americans have food allergies; three million are children under the age of eighteen; and

WHEREAS, food allergies affect 4% of the population and the prevalence is increasing among children; and

WHEREAS, according to the centers for Disease Control and Prevention, food allergy causes more than 300,00 ambulatory care visits each year involving children under 18; and

WHEREAS, prompt administration of epinephrine (adrenaline) is key to treating a potentially fatal anaphylactic reaction; and

WHEREAS, anaphylactic reactions in children occur in school, and approximately 20-25% of these occur in a child whose allergic condition was unknown by the school at the time of the reaction, and therefore, there was no prescribed epinephrine on hand for that particular child; and

WHEREAS, healthcare professionals recognize that anaphylactic reactions require immediate care, primarily the administration of epinephrine; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the NHCSL encourages school systems to have the ability to treat anaphylactic reactions even in the absence of a specific patients order; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NCSL will promote the ability of state and schools to allow the maintenance of a sufficient supply of epinephrine in schools; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the NHCSL encourages appropriate training to school personnel on awareness of anaphylaxis, emergency response procedures, and the proper administration of epinephrine; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the NHCSL encourages protection from liability of appropriately trained school personnel in instances of administration of epinephrine in the school setting.

This resolution was adopted on July 23, 2011, at the National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators 2nd Executive Committee Meeting held in Providence, RI.

Sponsored by: Senator Luz Z. Arce Ferrer (PR)