SB 211: Revise emergency use of epinephrine in school setting to include nasal spray - Montana

SB0211_1(12).pdf → SB0211_X.pdf · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates Montana's laws to explicitly include epinephrine nasal spray alongside autoinjectable forms for emergency use in schools. It clarifies that students with severe allergies can carry and self-administer their prescribed medication in various school settings, including before and after school. The bill also strengthens liability protections for schools and parents while requiring updated documentation and treatment plans.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of allowed medications to include nasal spray and broadens the locations where students may possess and use their emergency medication to include transit and off-campus school activities.

DEFINITION

Updated the definition of 'medication' to explicitly list epinephrine nasal spray as an approved treatment for anaphylaxis.

REQUIREMENT

Added a requirement that schools must maintain a stock supply of both autoinjectable epinephrine and epinephrine nasal spray for emergency administration by staff.

Added a new requirement that students must report to school staff immediately after using epinephrine to ensure follow-up care and emergency calls are made.

Clarified that permission for self-administration is effective for one school year and must be renewed annually or if the treatment plan changes.

ELIGIBILITY

Expanded the locations where students may possess and self-administer medication to include transit to/from school, before/after school care, and school-sponsored activities.

SB0211_2.pdf → SB0211_1(12).pdf · 4 edits

MODERATE

This bill amends Montana statutes to explicitly include epinephrine nasal spray as a covered medication alongside autoinjectable epinephrine for school use. It updates the legal definitions of 'medication' and 'self-administration' to reflect this new option, allowing students to carry and use nasal spray for severe allergic reactions. The changes also update the bill's title and tracking number to reflect these substantive policy updates.

Scope change

The bill's scope expanded from covering only autoinjectable epinephrine to include epinephrine nasal spray as an approved treatment option for students with severe allergies or anaphylaxis.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'medication' was updated to explicitly list 'epinephrine nasal spray' alongside autoinjectable epinephrine.

The definition of 'self-administration' was updated to include the discretionary use of epinephrine nasal spray by students.

REQUIREMENT

The requirements for school permission and physician statements were updated to cover the possession and use of epinephrine nasal spray.

TECHNICAL

The bill title and section headers were updated to reflect the inclusion of nasal spray and the new bill number SB 211.1.

SB0211_1(11).pdf → SB0211_2.pdf · 5 edits

MODERATE

This bill updates Montana law to explicitly include epinephrine nasal spray alongside autoinjectable epinephrine for emergency use in schools. It clarifies that students can carry and self-administer prescribed asthma or allergy medication in various school-related settings, provided specific documentation and parental consent are on file. The legislation also updates liability protections for schools and clarifies procedures for backup medication storage and post-use reporting.

Scope change

The bill expands the scope of permitted emergency medications to include nasal spray and clarifies the locations where students may legally possess and use their prescribed medication, extending beyond the classroom to include school-sponsored activities and transit.

DEFINITION

Added 'epinephrine nasal spray' to the official definition of 'medication' alongside autoinjectable epinephrine.

REQUIREMENT

Updated the list of required documents from parents/guardians to include written authorization, a physician's statement, proof of the student's skill level, and a written treatment plan.

Added a requirement for students to report to a school nurse or adult immediately after using epinephrine to receive follow-up care and emergency calls.

Clarified that backup medication must be kept in a predetermined location accessible to the student in case of an emergency.

ELIGIBILITY

Expanded the locations where students may possess and use medication to include school-sponsored activities, before/after care, and transit to or from school.

SB0211_1(4).pdf → SB0211_1(5).pdf · 1 edit

MINOR

The bill was amended to add J. Etchart to the list of sponsors, reflecting a change in the legislative support or authorship of the bill. This is a procedural update that does not alter the substantive policy, scope, or requirements of the legislation.

TECHNICAL

Added J. Etchart to the list of bill sponsors.

LC1412.pdf → SB0211_1.pdf · 2 edits

MINOR

The bill was renumbered from LC 1412 to SB 211.1 and the list of sponsors was updated. The core policy text regarding the emergency use of epinephrine and self-administration in schools appears to be identical to the previous version, with no substantive changes to eligibility, funding, or operational requirements.

TECHNICAL

Bill number changed from LC 1412 to SB 211.1.

The list of bill sponsors was replaced with a new set of names.

Revise emergency use of epinephrine in school setting to include nasal spray

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