The Medical Association of the State of Alabama said this week it is urging the Alabama Legislature to give final approval to legislation that would expand the types of medicine schools may use to treat severe allergic reactions.
Current law allows schools to use only auto-injectable epinephrine in emergencies. The proposed legislation would allow any Food and Drug Administration-approved epinephrine delivery system, including needle-free options.
The House and Senate have each passed versions of the measure with bipartisan support. Physicians across Alabama are now contacting lawmakers and urging them to approve a final bill and send it to Governor Kay Ivey for her signature.
“This is a common-sense, life-saving proposal that will better protect Alabama’s students,” Medical Association President Dr. Mark LeQuire said. “We are grateful to the House and Senate for recognizing the importance of this issue. By expanding the law to include all FDA-approved epinephrine delivery systems, we can give schools more flexibility and ensure faster responses to allergic emergencies.”
Anaphylaxis is a severe and potentially fatal allergic reaction that can occur within minutes. Epinephrine is the standard first-line treatment used to quickly open airways and stabilize patients. But the current law’s restriction to auto-injectors prevents schools from using newer options, including needle-free nasal sprays that are easier to administer and may reduce hesitation in emergencies.
Representative Margie Wilcox, sponsor of House Bill 533, said, “When seconds matter during an allergic emergency, having the best and most current tools available can save a child’s life. I’m proud to support legislation that helps protect Alabama students and gives our school nurses the flexibility they need to respond quickly and effectively.”
Senator April Weaver, sponsor of Senate Bill 351, said, “This legislation removes an unnecessary barrier. Not everyone is comfortable using a needle in a high-stress situation. Providing additional options—especially needle-free alternatives—can make all the difference when seconds count.”
Under House Bill 533 and Senate Bill 351, schools would continue to maintain emergency preparedness plans and stock epinephrine, but they would have flexibility to choose from a broader range of FDA-approved delivery systems. The bills also would keep existing protections that allow trained school personnel to administer epinephrine to any student believed to be experiencing anaphylaxis, regardless of whether the student has a prior diagnosis.
The Medical Association thanked lawmakers for supporting the bills and gave special thanks to Wilcox and Weaver for sponsoring the legislation.
“Wilcox and Weaver have shown strong leadership in advancing a practical solution that will save lives,” LeQuire said. “Now, we urge final passage to get this to the governor’s desk.”
