HARRISBURG – Asthma medication would be available for students in cases of emergency at PA schools under a bill approved by the PA House. House Bill 2117 authorizes schools to maintain a supply of short-acting asthma medications, such as albuterol or a nebulizer, and permit a licensed healthcare practitioner or trained school employee to administer them to students in respiratory distress with the permission of a parent or guardian. Currently, many schools can only respond to an asthma emergency if a student has their own prescribed inhaler on hand. The bill authorizes, but does not require, schools and non-public schools to allow trained employees to provide or administer short-acting asthma medications to students, including in emergencies when anaphylaxis is suspected. The bill requires staff responsible for the asthma medication complete Department of Health training, permit parental opt-outs, and provide Good Samaritan liability protections for school personnel. The bill goes to the PA Senate.
