Summary of the Committee Version of the Bill

HB 1188 -- SCHOOL NURSE ADMINISTRATION OF ASTHMA RESCUE

MEDICATION

SPONSOR: Allen

COMMITTEE ACTION: Voted "do pass by consent" by the Committee on

Health Care Policy by a vote of 9 to 0.

This bill establishes procedures under which a school nurse may

administer asthma-related rescue medications. A school board may

authorize a licensed nurse employee to maintain a supply of

medication and to determine how much medication should be

maintained. For prescription purposes, the district must be

designated as the patient and the nurse’s name will be required.

The nurse or another employee trained and supervised by the nurse

has the discretion to administer the medication to any student

whom the nurse or employee believes is having a life-threatening

asthma episode. Existing law providing immunity from civil

liability for trained employees administering lifesaving methods

applies to the employee administering asthma medication under

these provisions.

FISCAL NOTE: No impact on state funds in FY 2013, FY 2014, and

FY 2015.

PROPONENTS: Supporters say that the bill will help in a life

threatening episode in a school in the case of an asthma-related

emergency by allowing a nurse or other trained employee to

provide an asthma rescue treatment via an inhaler or a nebulizer.

If schools had asthma rescue medicine, such as Albuterol on site,

a nurse caring for a student having an asthma attack could treat

the student and save that child from a trip to a hospital.

Having an asthma rescue drug is similar to having a defibulator

or an epinephrin pen at the school. The bill provides assurance

and a safety net for children with asthma and adds a layer of

protection for saving a life and preventing severe health

outcomes for untreated asthma attacks. One in 15 children in St.

Louis has asthma, which is three times the national average. The

number one reason children are admitted to emergency rooms and hospitals is an asthma-related incident.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Allen; Joy Krieger,

Asthma and Allergy Foundation, St. Louis Chapter; Alishia

LaPorte; Dr. William Kincaid; American Lung Association Gulf-Plains Region; Lisa Meadows; and Barbara Heger.

OPPONENTS: There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Copyright © Missouri House of Representatives