Federal "Stock" Epinephrine Bill Moves in Congress Federal legislation to encourage schools to maintain a supply of “stock” epinephrine auto-injectors cleared a major hurdle today! The School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act (H.R. 2094) was approved by the House Energy & Commerce Committee and will now move to the full House of Representatives for a vote. Sponsored by Reps. Phil Roe (R-TN) and Steny Hoyer (D-MD), the bill provides an incentive to encourage states to require “stock” epinephrine auto-injectors in their schools -- meaning epinephrine that is not prescribed to a specific student but can be used for any student or staff member in an anaphylactic emergency. Four states have already passed laws ensuring that epinephrine is available in all schools, and many others allow schools to stock epinephrine, but do not require it. FARE has been working tirelessly toward the passage of this critical legislation for the last two years. The food allergy community has overwhelmingly supported this and similar state legislation across the country. Since the introduction of the federal bill on May 22, FARE has been working closely with the bill sponsors, meeting with legislators on Capitol Hill to build support, soliciting endorsements from other organizations and issuing action alerts to advocates across the country. These efforts have helped generate more than 30 cosponsors in less than two months. Last year’s federal stock epinephrine legislation did not move out of committee, so we are strongly encouraged by the swift movement of this year’s bill. Similar legislation is expected to be introduced in the Senate by Sens. Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL). The School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act is endorsed by the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the American Academy of Emergency Medicine, the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics. FARE will be encouraging the House to take up the bill and engaging with senators to build support for a companion bill. The support of food allergy advocates will be critical to the success of this effort and FARE will notify supporters of any developments and offer up opportunities to make their voice heard.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Jul 2013 20:03:36 +0000
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