Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the School Epinephrine topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee concurs on allowing nasal-spray epinephrine in schools after medical groups endorse safety
Summary
Senate Bill 211 would let schools use FDA-authorized intranasal epinephrine in emergencies; pediatricians, the Montana Medical Association, a student and school-health advocates testified that nasal spray is effective, easier to administer and likely to increase timely treatment in anaphylaxis.
Senate Bill 211, presented by Senator Cora Newman, would add intranasal epinephrine to the drugs schools are permitted to administer in emergencies. Newman said the nasal formulation (referred to in testimony as NEFE) is easier for staff and needle-averse students and that manufacturers offer a limited quantity of free doses to schools.
Medical groups and practitioners spoke in support. Dr. Mary Ann Comer (American Academy of Pediatrics, Montana chapter) told the committee that studies show nasal epinephrine produces blood levels comparable to autoinjectors and can be given with a single spray in one nostril. Jean Branscum of the Montana Medical Association and other clinicians said the formulation could reduce hesitation in schools and shorten delays, a known risk factor for fatal anaphylaxis.
A middle-school student gave a brief personal plea to pass the bill so needle-averse students would be more likely to receive timely treatment. There were no opponents in the room or online, and the committee later concurred in executive action.
The bill contains an immediate effective date in draft form; sponsors and supporters noted that many schools already stock injectable epinephrine and that adding a nasal option updates statute to reflect new, approved formulations.
Next steps: the committee moved concurrence in executive action; Representative Weber was recorded as the floor carrier for the House.
