Legislation Allows Bus Drivers to Administer Epinephrine

Peanuts, milk, eggs and fish - foods most of us can enjoy without worry - can plunge anyone with a severe food allergy into a life-threating scenario. Up to 15 million Americans have food allergies, including 5.9 million children under the age of 18, or roughly one out of every 13 children.

As the father of a child with severe allergies, Senator Terrence Murphy carefully monitors what his child eats. He has heard the horror stories, including the sudden death of a Michigan student in 2015 who had an allergic reaction to peanuts while on a school bus. Knowing every second counts in a life or death situation, Senator Murphy sponsored 56005A, legislation allowing school bus drivers to administer an epinephrine auto-injector in the event of an emergency. Assemblyman David Buchwald sponsored A7635A, a corresponding bill in the Assembly. Governor Andrew Cuomo signed both bills into law on August 22.

"Like many parents I am very concerned that my child could have an allergic reaction while riding the school bus. Eating a seemingly harmless snack could result in the immediate closure of a child's airways resulting in respiratory arrest, which only be resolved through an injection of epinephrine," said Senator Murphy. "Previously, only school employees such as nurses were allowed to administer an epinephrine auto-injector. The passing of this new legislation gives the same authority to bus drivers. This legislation can literally save lives."