STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New York has new rules broadening the emergency use of epinephrine injections to students facing medical emergencies. Gov. Andrew Cuomo last Thursday signed into law a measure expanding access to devices known as EpiPens, a single-dose injection of epinephrine, commonly used to treat emergency asthma and allergy attacks as well as anaphylaxis. Joseph DeNicola, a...
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- New York has new rules broadening the emergency use of epinephrine injections to students facing medical emergencies.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo last Thursday signed into law a measure expanding access to devices known as EpiPens, a single-dose injection of epinephrine, commonly used to treat emergency asthma and allergy attacks as well as anaphylaxis.
Joseph DeNicola, a second-grader at PS 4 in Arden Heights, died Tuesday in Staten Island University Hospital, Ocean Breeze, four days after the youngster went into anaphylactic shock, which led to cardiac arrest.
According to an Associated Press report, the regulations signed into law by Cuomo will allow schools to keep EpiPens on hand and authorize teachers trained in their use to administer them to students even if the student doesn't have a prescription.
The governor also signed legislation that will allow students with asthma, allergies, diabetes or other conditions to carry and administer inhalers, insulin injections or other medications while at school. The governor said the measures will make it easier for students in medical distress to get the medication they need.
Both public and Catholic schools in the city already have similar procedures in place to address food allergies and for EpiPen use.
Fran Davies, a spokeswoman for the New York Archdiocese, said the plan requires all school nurses, as well as at least two school staff members, to be trained in administering EpiPens.
The city's Department of Education also follows the same plan, which is laid out in a directive to members from the United Federation of Teachers.
According to the UFT website on EpiPen use, principals are required each year to make sure there are trained teachers or staff in the building, especially when a child or children with asthma or food allergies are present. Parents and guardians are responsible for notifying the school about a child with severe allergies, and the information is to be placed in the student's record. Each school must also develop an allergy emergency response plan.
The plan also permits students to carry an EpiPen, if the student has a prescription and permission from his or her medical provider.
The guidelines note that the city's Law Department indemnifies employees in case of a lawsuit.
"Given the dire consequences to a child who needs epinephrine but does not receive it in a timely matter, trained employees should not be deterred from administering an EpiPen," the DOE guidelines state.