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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Matthew Smith
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Smith bills would help students with allergies and diabetes
HARRISBURG, June 9 – State Rep. Matt Smith and state Sen. Jane C. Orie today held a news conference to promote their legislation that would amend the Pennsylvania School Code to provide additional protections to students who suffer from severe allergies and diabetes and need access to their medications and treatment.
They were joined by representatives of the American Lung Association, the Pennsylvania Society for Respiratory Care, the American Diabetes Association, and a father and daughter who have put up a fight against diabetes.
Senate Bill 736 and H.B. 1336 would amend the School Code by allowing students with severe allergies to carry epinephrine medication -- such as EpiPen auto-injectors -- upon approval by the students’ physicians and parents.
"With the increased number of children with food allergies, we must ensure that the safeguards are present so that our sons and daughters have the ability to administer potentially life-saving medication," said Smith, D-Allegheny.
"This legislation is necessary because allergic reactions can happen at any time -- on the playground, in class, or in the cafeteria -- and a student with a severe reaction must have instant access to their medication," said Orie, R-40th District.
The legislators noted that 43 states currently allow students to self-carry epinephrine medications at school.
Senate Bill 737 and H.B. 1113 would provide additional resources for students with diabetes, a chronic disease that impairs the body’s ability to use food. The legislation would call for:
· The Department of Education to develop guidelines for training of school employees in diabetes care and treatment;
· Schools to adopt policies allowing students with diabetes to carry and use medication and to make available at least one trained diabetes personnel during school and after school hours; and
· Students to submit medical management plans if they are seeking care.
"House Bill 1113 and Senate Bill 737 protect students with diabetes by establishing a system for diabetes management in schools," Smith said. "By allowing for possession and administration of medication, parents will have the peace of mind that their children are protected."
"One of the most important factors for student achievement is student health," Smith said. "These bills ensure that our students enjoy the safeguards necessary for proactive management of illness and prevention of serious harm."
"The most recent statistics show a real need for the legislation -- with over 8,000 students in Pennsylvania attending school each day with type 1 juvenile diabetes and many more are affected by type 2 diabetes," Orie said.
Senate Bill 736 is awaiting a final vote in the Senate. Senate Bill 737 and H.B.s 1113 and 1336 await consideration by their respective Education Committees.
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