Enabling trained school personnel to administer life saving epinephrine treatment
Summary
H2367 would allow public school districts and non-public schools in Massachusetts to register with the Department of Education so that trained school personnel may administer epinephrine by auto-injector in a life-threatening emergency when a school nurse is not immediately available. The authority would apply during the school day and on field trips, and it is limited to situations involving anaphylactic shock or administration under an individual medication administration plan.
The bill sets several conditions for participation. A school committee or non-public school administrator must approve policies for the program, and the designated school nurse leader or responsible nurse must oversee the program and have final decision-making authority. School personnel authorized to use epinephrine must be trained and tested for competency under department-established standards and curriculum. The bill also requires immediate notification of emergency medical services and, as soon as possible, notification of the student’s parent or guardian, the school nurse, the student’s physician, and the school physician.
Impact
The bill would amend Section 54B of Chapter 71 to expressly authorize school districts and non-public schools to keep and use epinephrine auto-injectors under a registered school-based program. It would also provide civil liability protection for trained and authorized school personnel who administer or assist with epinephrine in good faith, limiting liability for ordinary negligence. In addition, it would clarify that prescriptions and dispensing of epinephrine to participating schools are for a legitimate medical purpose, and it would allow schools to store the epinephrine kit in a secure but unlocked location as determined by the school nurse leader or responsible nurse.
Sentiment
The bill appears to be broadly supportive of student safety and emergency preparedness, with its purpose framed as enabling life-saving treatment in schools. The filing note indicates it is similar to a prior-session bill, suggesting the proposal is part of an ongoing policy effort rather than a new or controversial concept. No committee transcripts or recorded votes are available in the provided material, so there is no documented opposition or formal legislative sentiment beyond the bill’s protective public-health framing.
Contention
The main policy questions likely concern who may administer epinephrine, how much discretion school nurses should retain, and how much training is sufficient before non-nurse personnel are authorized to act. Another possible point of concern is liability: the bill grants immunity from ordinary negligence for trained personnel acting in good faith, which may draw scrutiny from those worried about accountability or improper administration. There may also be operational concerns about storage, oversight, and ensuring that schools can implement the program consistently across both public and non-public settings.
Schools; creating the Emerson Kate Cole Act; requiring a school employee to call 911 if Epinephrine is administered to a student; requiring certain training. Effective date. Emergency.
Schools; creating the Emerson Kate Cole Act; requiring a school employee to call 911 if Epinephrine is administered to a student; requiring certain training. Effective date. Emergency.
Requesting The Department Of Education To Establish A Pilot Program In Public Schools And Charter Schools To Have Available Staff Trained In Epinephrine Administration.
Requesting The Department Of Education To Establish A Pilot Program In Public Schools And Charter Schools To Have Available Staff Trained In Epinephrine Administration.