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Committee updates law to allow FDA‑approved nasal epinephrine in schools; HF 2489 advanced
Summary
House Education Policy Committee adopted a technical A1 amendment and voted to re‑refer HF 2489, which replaces language limited to auto‑injectors with broader "epinephrine delivery system" language and requires standing orders from the Minnesota Department of Health.
The House Education Policy Committee re‑referred House File 2489 to the Health Finance and Policy Committee on March 26, 2025, after adopting a technical A1 amendment.
Representative Verneig introduced HF 2489 as a bill proposed by school nurses to improve access to epinephrine in schools. "This bill is designed to enhance the safety and well‑being of students susceptible to severe allergic reactions by ensuring that Minnesota schools are equipped with the necessary resources and protocols for the effective administration of epinephrine," Verneig said.
The bill replaces language that specifically referenced epinephrine auto‑injectors or EpiPens with the broader term "epinephrine delivery system," defined in committee discussion as an FDA‑approved, single pre‑measured dose delivery (including the FDA‑approved nasal epinephrine introduced in August 2024). "This allows the law to be nimble to accommodate current and future delivery systems," Verneig said.
HF 2489 also directs the Minnesota Department of Health to provide standing orders and condition‑specific protocols for districts to implement stock epinephrine programs, to reduce barriers districts report when trying to obtain medical advisors or standing orders. Heather Hedin, state school nurse consultant with the Minnesota Department of Health, testified the change will "help to eliminate the barrier of finding a medical advisor for districts choosing to implement the stock epinephrine program." Hedin said the new nasal epinephrine is FDA‑approved and Minnesota law needed updating to include it.
Committee members expressed support. Representative Keohor said the committee benefits from young people at the table; Representative Green added she signed on as a co‑author and described the nasal option as important for families who carry auto‑injectors. Chair Bennett and other members called the bill "a good bill" and supported re‑referral.
The A1 amendment, described as a small technical wording change by Representative Ernie, was adopted by voice vote. The committee then re‑referred HF 2489 to the Health Finance and Policy Committee for further consideration.
