Representative Richardson's Bill to Expand Access to Lifesaving Allergy Medication Heads to the Governor's Desk

COLUMBUS, OH – State Representative Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) this week announced the passage of amended House Bill 462, legislation to empower parents, students and their health care providers to choose the technology that works best for them in the case of an allergic reaction at school.

Amended House Bill 462 updates Ohio law to include newly FDA-approved intranasal epinephrine spray as an alternative treatment option for severe allergic reactions. Current law already allows students to carry and self-administer epinephrine auto-injectors, commonly known as EpiPens. The bill expands those provisions to permit students to possess and administer not only epinephrine auto-injectors and nasal delivery devices, but also any future FDA-approved epinephrine delivery systems.

“Adding nasal epinephrine devices to Ohio law is a simple but vital change that will help save lives and give families greater peace of mind,” said Rep. Richardson. “I applaud the swift passage of this commonsense legislation through both the House and Senate to help ensure students have timely access to lifesaving treatment options when every second counts.”

The legislation also extends existing protections related to the procurement, maintenance, access, and use of epinephrine auto-injectors to include approved epinephrine delivery devices. Additionally, the bill expands these protections and permissions to apply to a broader range of educational and youth settings, including public schools, community schools, STEM schools, college-preparatory boarding schools, chartered nonpublic schools, residential camps, and child day camps.

House Bill 462 received unanimous support in both the House and Senate and now heads to the Governor’s desk for signature.