ST. PAUL, MN—A bill to allow schools to administer epinephrine auto-injectors in schools, HF 688, will be heard tomorrow in the House Education Policy Committee. The bill will allow schools to administer an epinephrine auto-injector, such as Epi-Pen, to students who are having an allergic reaction. Currently, schools are only allowed to administer the drug if students have a prescription.
“We should act on this issue before it’s too late, “said bill sponsor Rep. Ryan Winkler (DFL-Golden Valley). “This legislation gives schools the ability to combat serious or life-threatening allergic reactions that happen during the school day. As a parent, it would give me peace of mind to know that school officials have the ability to properly treat our kids in a timely manner.”
Testifying on behalf of HF 688 will be 16 year old Kaylee Doubek. She was released from the intensive care unit at Children's Hopsital just 10 days ago following a severe allergic reaction on Valentine's Day which required the use of 4 epinephrine auto-injectors to save her life.
"I am so fortunate that my school nurse knew what to do and we had epinephrine at the school. I know how little time there is before an allergic reaction is life-threatening and it scares me to think of what could happen to other kids if this doesn't become law," said Kaylee.
The House Education Policy Committee will meet at 10:00 am in the Basement Hearing Room of the State Office Building tomorrow, Tuesday, March 5, 2013.
Rep. Winkler can be reached by phone at (651) 296-7026 or by email at rep.ryan.winkler@house.mn.
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