Students with severe allergies will soon be able to carry a nasal-spray alternative to an EpiPen at Ohio schools, thanks to Gov. Mike DeWine.
DeWine recently signed House Bill 462 into law. The law expands Ohio's allergy-response rules beyond EpiPens, allowing schools and camps to use any FDA-approved epinephrine device, including nasal sprays. It passed the Ohio House and Senate unanimously before arriving on DeWine's desk.
Here's what to know about the law.
What does Ohio's new allergy law do?
Previously, Ohio law focused on epinephrine auto-injectors such as EpiPens as a treatment for allergic reactions. HB 462 expands on the legislation to include nasal-spray epinephrine and other FDA-approved delivery methods used to treat severe allergic reactions.
The changes apply to public
and private schools, charter schools, STEM schools and camps.
Schools and camps may also keep supplies of the products on hand for emergencies involving students, staff or visitors experiencing severe allergic reactions.
Students with a prescription and parental permission can carry and use approved epinephrine devices at school and school-sponsored events. The law extends existing legal protections for schools, camps and health care providers to the newer devices.
"This bill is the result of a local nurse and parent making me aware of the need for a change," bill sponsor Rep. Tracy Richardson, R-Marysville, said in a statement. "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."
What is epinephrine used for?
Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is a medication used to treat severe allergic reactions and other medical emergencies, according to Cleveland Clinic.
In allergy emergencies, epinephrine can relax airway muscles, reduce swelling and help people breathe. It is considered the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
Under the new law, Ohio schools and camps are no longer limited to EpiPens and can use newer FDA-approved epinephrine products, including nasal sprays, when treating severe allergic reactions.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Gov. DeWine signs new Ohio law bringing big change to state schools
