State changes EpiPen rules

Schools throughout Valley Stream’s four school districts and the rest of the state will have more authority to treat children with severe allergies after state legislators passed a pair of laws regarding the use of EpiPens earlier this month.

EpiPens, or epinephrine autoinjectors, are medical devices used to inject a measured dose or doses of epinephrine to a person suffering from anaphylaxis, a serious and rapid-onset allergic reaction that can result in death.

Under the new law, which takes effect in March of 2015, any staff member will be allowed to administer an EpiPen to any student or staff member in an emergency situation, regardless of whether the person receiving it has a prescription for it. It also allows students who have been prescribed EpiPens or inhalers to self-administer their medication.

“In terms of benefits, it lets us respond to a student or employee who is in need of urgent help more quickly, which can be crucial,” said District 24 superintendent Edward Fale. “We’re certainly glad to be able to respond more quickly in those emergency situations.”

Fale does have concerns about the law, however. Under the previous law, only school nurses were permitted to administer EpiPens to students. Now, students of any age will be permitted to carry and use their EpiPens by themselves, which Fale said increases the need for dialogue between parents and school administrators.

“Obviously this medication and these devices are going to be more available, which should be a good thing,” Fale said. “But we really hope that parents will advise the district and their school about any medication their child is using or medical issues they are facing.”

The law states that students who are carrying their own EpiPens or asthma inhalers must possess a prescription for their medication and must register with their school before they will be allowed to carry and self-administer their medication.