Ohio House Approves Bill Expanding Epinephrine Access

The Ohio House of Representatives yesterday concurred on Senate amendments to House Bill 200, sponsored by State Representative Christina Hagan (R-Alliance). The bill expands the list of facilities that are able to obtain non-patient specific epinephrine for the purpose of treating anaphylactic shock. Such places included in the legislation are restaurants, colleges and universities, amusement parks, sports facilities, child care settings and other locations.

“I am excited for the lifesaving potential of having additional entities access to storing epinephrine auto-injectors on site and the training of additional professionals on how to administer this life saving agent in an unexpected life threatening emergency,” Rep. Hagan said. “People are our focus and our passion and I am eternally grateful for the support of every single member of the entire House and Senate who unanimously casted a yes vote on our bill, House Bill 200, to save Ohioans' lives.”

House Bill 200 does not require facilities to stock epinephrine, but instead permits them to obtain it for emergencies due to allergic reactions. The legislation states that any entity that chooses to stock epinephrine auto-injectors must follow physician guidelines in order to administer them. Additionally, the bill provides liability protection for employees who are trained to administer the epinephrine.

House Bill 200 now moves to the Governor for his consideration.