Shaffer, Khan’s Bipartisan Bill to Support Students with Pancreatic Conditions Clears Path for Safe Medication Use in Schools

Rep. Tarik Khan April 7, 2026 | 1:10 PM

HARRISBURG – After hearing directly from parents, caregivers, educators and students about how Pennsylvania law treats different student medications, Reps. Jeremy Shaffer (R-Allegheny) and Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia) have introduced a bill that would give students with pancreatic insufficiency the same ability to carry necessary medication that students using inhalers and EpiPens already have.

House Bill 2267 supports students with pancreatic conditions like cystic fibrosis who rely on their medications to properly digest food and absorb nutrients. It would allow the students to keep and use their prescribed enzyme supplements as needed throughout the school day.

“At some schools the current requirement for administering the medicine can cause delays and even have some students miss their lunches,” Shaffer said. “This bill is a bipartisan, commonsense fix that protects students’ health while continuing to value the important role of school nurses.”

“If students can carry inhalers and EpiPens, they should be able to carry the medication they need to eat and stay healthy,” Khan said. “This ensures consistency for families and support for students during the school day. Grateful to work across the aisle with Rep. Shaffer on this commonsense bill, rooted in fairness."

Shaffer and Khan pointed out House Bill 2267 would implement the same guidelines already allowed with inhalers and EpiPens. Students would need appropriate medical authorization, parental consent and school nurse confirmation. Schools would also retain the authority to adjust the arrangement if safety concerns arise.

House Bill 2267 has been referred to the House Health Committee for consideration.

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