ASSEMBLY HEALTH COMMITTEE

 

STATEMENT TO

 

[First Reprint]

SENATE, No. 373

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

DATED: NOVEMBER 7, 1996

 

      The Assembly Health Committee reports favorably Senate Bill No. 373 (1R).

      This bill requires a board of education to develop a policy for the emergency administration of epinephrine via epi-pen to a pupil for anaphylaxis under certain conditions. The conditions include provisions that the parents or guardians file their written authorization and submit written orders from the pupil's physician or advanced practice nurse that the pupil requires the administration of epinephrine for anaphylaxis and does not have the capability for self-administration; the board informs the parents or guardians that if the specified procedures are followed, it shall have no liability arising from the administration of the epi-pen; and the parents or guardians sign a statement that the district shall have no liability as a result.

      The bill provides that the school nurse shall have primary responsibility for the administration of the epi-pen; however, the school nurse may designate another employee if that person has been properly trained by the nurse and if the parents consent in writing to the administration of the epi-pen by that person. Permission for the administration of the epi-pen would be effective for the school year for which it was granted and must be renewed for each subsequent school year.