Senator Jane Orie and Representative Matt Smith Push Measures to Help Students with Medical Conditions

State Senator Jane C. Orie (R-40) and Representative Matt Smith (D-42) held a press conference today to promote their legislation that would amend the Pennsylvania School Code by providing additional protections to students who suffer from severe allergies and diabetes and need access to their medications and treatment.

They were joined by several colleagues as well as representatives of the American Lung Association, the Pennsylvania Society for Respiratory Care, the American Diabetes Association, and a father and daughter that have put up a fight against diabetes.

Senate Bill 736 and House Bill 1336 would amend the School Code by allowing students with severe allergies to carry epinephrine medication -- such as EpiPen auto-injectors -- upon approval by the students' physician and parents.

"This legislation is necessary because allergic reactions can happen at any time -- on the playground, in class, or in the cafeteria -- and a student with a severe reaction must have instant access to their medication," said Sen. Orie.

"With the increased number of children with food allergies, we must ensure that the safeguards are present so that our sons and daughters have the ability to administer potentially life-saving medication," said Rep. Smith.

The legislators noted that forty-three (43) states currently allow students to self-carry epinephrine medications at school.

Senate Bill 737 and House Bill 1113 would provide additional resources for students with diabetes, a chronic disease that impairs the body's ability to use food. The legislation would call for:

The Department of Education to develop guidelines for training of school employees in diabetes care and treatment;
Schools to adopt policies allowing students with diabetes to carry and use medication and to make available at least one trained diabetes personnel during school and after school hours; and
Students to submit medical management plans if they are seeking care.

"House Bill 1113 and Senate Bill 737 protect students with diabetes by establishing a system for diabetes management in schools," said Rep. Smith. "By allowing for possession and administration of medication, parents will have the peace of mind that their children are protected."

"The most recent statistics show a real need for the legislation -- with over 8,000 students in Pennsylvania attending school each day with type 1 juvenile diabetes and many more are affected by type 2 diabetes," said Sen. Orie.

"One of the most important factors for student achievement is student health," said Rep. Smith. "These bills ensure that our students enjoy the safeguards necessary for proactive management of illness and prevention of serious harm."

SB 736 is on the Senate calendar awaiting a final vote in the Senate. SB 737, HB 1113 and HB 1336 await consideration by their respective Education Committee.

Contacts:

Nate Silcox (Sen. Orie) 717-787-6538
Dan Green (Rep. Smith) 717-783-1850

SB 736/HB 1336 (Severe Allergy Medication/EpiPens)

Amy Czech, American Lung Association
American Lung Association - Statement of Support

Hope Swenson, Pennsylvania Society for Respiratory Care
Pennsylvania Society for Respiratory Care, Inc - Statement of Support

SB 737/HB 1113 (Diabetes)

Robb Wilson, American Diabetes Association
American Diabetes Association Supports Diabetes School Care Bills

Rob and Kayle O'Donnell
About Rob and Kay O'Donnell

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