Representative Richardson's Bill to Expand Access to Lifesaving Allergy Medication Signed into Law

COLUMBUS, OH – State Representative Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville) today announced Governor Mike DeWine signed 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, into law.

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.

“This bill is the result of a local nurse and parent making me aware of the need for a change,” said Richardson. “With the help of members of the legislature, we were able to get this bill into law in time for the new school year ensuring that students with allergies will  have the ability to carry nasal epinephrine. I’m grateful to all who helped turn this commonsense policy into meaningful law.”

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.