Nurses and pediatricians urge law change to allow intranasal epinephrine in schools

The House Health Committee heard testimony on House Bill 462, which would add intranasal epinephrine devices to the forms of epinephrine that students may self‑carry and that schools may stock for emergencies under Ohio Revised Code 3313.718.

Aubrey Marbaugh, a registered nurse and district health consultant for Marysville City Schools, described practical reasons for the change: intranasal delivery is less invasive than an auto‑injector, may be easier for staff to administer, and could make it appropriate for younger students to self‑carry. Marbaugh noted an FDA‑approved nasal epinephrine device became available in 08/2024 and said "there's only one brand available at this point" but expected additional products and generics over time.

Pediatric resident Kyle Isaacs told the committee intranasal epinephrine "carries the same advantages in its treatment for anaphylaxis," describing it as simple to use, effective, and supportive of rapid administration. He noted schools already stock and use intranasal emergency medications such as naloxone and seizure rescue medications and said the law should reflect medical advances so students are protected.

Committee members asked about efficacy and cost; witnesses deferred specific cost comparisons to market developments and advised that clinical decisions about an individual patient's suitability for intranasal epinephrine should be made by the child's prescribing clinician.

The committee concluded the second hearing and accepted written testimony; no final vote was recorded in the transcript.