Richardson Announces House Passage of Life-Saving Glucagon Legislation

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) today announced House passage House Bill 231, legislation that helps protect children with diabetes.

H.B. 231 includes an amendment that allows Ohio schools and camps to have dosages of glucagon on hand for emergency situations. Glucagon is a hormone used to increase blood sugar levels in diabetics when they lose consciousness or do not respond to orally administered glucose.

“Giving our schools and camps the ability to store and administer glucagon will save lives and protect Ohio children with diabetes,” said Richardson.

The amendment contains provisions of House Bill 511, legislation introduced by Richardson. H.B. 511 was modelled after a permissive Ohio law that allows schools and camps to have epinephrine auto-injectors (epi-pens) available for children with severe allergies.

Under the bill, glucagon doses stored by schools and camps do not need to be prescribed to a certain individual. Nurses and other properly trained responders would have civil immunity if they administer the drug in an emergency. Schools and camps would develop their own protocols around the storage and administration or the glucagon in order to be eligible.

H.B. 231 also encourages school districts, community and STEM schools to create food allergy training for staff members and students.

The bills now heads to the Senate for consideration.