Governor Rell Signs Bill Requiring Policy on Student

Self-Administration of Asthma Inhalers, Epipens

            Governor M. Jodi Rell today held a ceremony to mark the signing of a bill that requires the state Department of Education to develop regulations governing the administration of medication by school personnel and the self-administration by students of asthma inhalers and automatic epinephrine injectors – known as “epipens” – used to treat extreme allergic reactions.

            “Those of us who are parents know that we can’t help worrying about our youngsters,” Governor Rell said at the ceremony at Hamilton Avenue School in Greenwich. “Whether we’re sending them off to school or to summer camp or to college – wherever they are bound, we will always be concerned about them. This is especially true for parents whose children cope with problems such as asthma or life-threatening allergies to foods or insect stings. This bill makes some important steps forward in the protection of our children – and I hope will at least bring a little bit of peace of mind.

            “Connecticut has been one of only three states without a protocol for self-administration of asthma inhalers, and one of only 10 states without an “epipen” protocol,” the Governor said. “No longer. Minutes truly count in treating these sometimes life-threatening conditions. In too many cases, current policy means students in the throes of an allergy or asthma attack must wait until a nurse is contacted and then their inhaler or epipen is retrieved from the nurse’s office. That changes under this bill, and allowing these students this measure of independence may also reduce the number of days they are out sick, missing school and falling behind their classmates.”

            The Governor expressed her thanks to state Senator Scott Frantz for his staunch advocacy of the new law. Sen. Frantz (R-Greenwich) introduced the bill on behalf of a constituent and shepherded the measure from its inception to passage.

            This bill also adds licensed athletic trainers to the list of school personnel authorized to give students medicine that a doctor or other medical professional has prescribed. In addition, it requires schools or school boards to inform the public about their policies for managing students with life-threatening food allergies, usually by posting the policy on the Internet.

            The legislation – Senate Bill 755, An Act Concerning the Use of Asthmatic Inhalers and Epinephrine Auto-Injectors While at School – takes effect August 15.