SB 1085 -- SELF-ADMINISTERED MEDICATIONS

SPONSOR:  Kennedy (Cooper, 155)

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on
Elementary and Secondary Education by a vote of 10 to 0.

Currently, any local school board may allow a student to
self-administer medication for asthma.  This bill specifies that
school boards, their employees, or agents must authorize students
to possess and self-administer prescribed medication for asthma
or anaphylaxis if the parent or guardian follows the procedures
specified in the bill.

Students are allowed to carry and use the self-administered
medication during school-sponsored activities beyond the regular
school day and outside the school.  A student will also be
allowed to bring backup medication and have it stored where the
student, or an appropriate school agent if necessary and in
accordance with the physician's written treatment plan, has
immediate access in the event of a medical emergency.

The bill clarifies that school districts are not prohibited from
providing authorized backup medication or from implementing a
policy to provide training for employees to administer the
medication.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds in FY 2007, FY 2008, and
FY 2009.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that having an epi-pen available,
rather than locked up in the nurse's office, can provide the
necessary time until a severely allergic student can be treated
by paramedics.  Since both Kansas City and St. Louis usually rank
in the top 10 allergy cities, the state schools need the bill to
relieve their liability while providing a safe environment for
allergic students.

Testifying for the bill were Senator Koster for Senator Kennedy;
Peggy Harris; and Dr. Mark Vandewalker.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Becky DeNeve, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:47 am