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Committee considers allowing intranasal epinephrine for students to self-administer
Summary
Senate Bill 21-96 would add intranasal, pre-measured epinephrine sprays to the list of emergency medications students may self-administer at school; proponents said the FDA-approved nasal spray could reduce barriers to timely treatment for anaphylaxis.
Senate Bill 21-96, which would permit students to self-administer intranasal epinephrine and align school code with a newly FDA-approved nasal spray, drew support from state school-health officials at a House Human Services Committee hearing.
Senator Kirsten Rohrer introduced the bill on behalf of the Department of Health and Human Services, saying the measure updates existing school law to include an intranasal, pre-measured route of epinephrine administration in addition to the auto-injectable pen currently authorized.
Heather Cappella, state school nurse consultant with the Department of Health and Human Services’ Special Health Services Unit, testified that the Food and Drug Administration approved an epinephrine nasal spray (NEFE) in August 2024 for emergency treatment of allergic reactions in adults and children who weigh at least 66 pounds. Cappella said intranasal delivery may reduce barriers for children who fear needles and could improve the speed of treatment in life‑threatening anaphylaxis. “The introduction of the epinephrine nasal spray may help eliminate barriers to quick treatment for anaphylaxis,” Cappella said.
Witnesses and committee members discussed age and weight thresholds for the device. Cappella noted the FDA authorization applies to people weighing at least 66 pounds and that the bill’s proposed language — which references a pre-measured dose delivered by a non-injectable route — would preserve the existing authorization for auto‑injectable pens while explicitly allowing the intranasal product.
No opposition testimony was recorded and the committee closed the hearing on SB 21-96. The bill’s effect will depend on final statutory language and any implementing school policies.
