Richardson Announces Legislation Protecting Children with Diabetes Signed into Law

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) today announced Governor DeWine has signed into law House Bill 231, legislation that helps protect children with diabetes by allowing 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. 

“Allowing schools and camps to store and administer this life-saving medication will serve as another tool to protect children with diabetes in Ohio,” said Richardson. 

The measure 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 legislation, glucagon doses stored by schools and camps are not required 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.

“This legislation has the ability to save children’s lives, and I’m grateful it is now law,” added Richardson.