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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, First Regular Session
AMENDED
school pupils; emergency medication administration
Purpose
Permits a public or charter school district employee to administer certain medications, in the case of an emergency, to a minor without request or authorization of the minor's parent or legal guardian. Authorizes private schools and preschools to purchase, stock and administer inhalers.
Background
Statute grants school district governing boards and charter school governing bodies the authority to establish policies and procedures that govern the administration of prescription medications or patent or proprietary medications to students by district employees (A.R.S. § 15‑344). If the student is a minor, medication may only be administered upon the request or authorization of the student's parent or legal guardian.
Current statute allows an employee of a school district or charter school to administer specified medications in the following circumstances, if the employee is trained in the administration of the medication: 1) epinephrine auto-injectors, if the employee in good faith believes that the child is exhibiting symptoms of anaphylactic shock; 2) inhalers, if the employee in good faith believes that the child is exhibiting symptoms of respiratory distress; and 3) naloxone hydrochloride or any opioid antagonist, if the employee in good faith believes that the child is exhibiting symptoms of opioid-related overdose (A.R.S. §§ 15-157; 15-158; and 15-341).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Allows an employee of a public or charter school district to administer epinephrine auto‑injectors, naloxone and inhalers to a minor without consent of a parent or guardian in the case of an emergency.
2. Adds private schools and preschools to the definition of authorized entity as it relates to the emergency administration of inhalers.
3. Allows a trained employee of a private school or preschool to provide and administer inhalers to individuals who experience symptoms of respiratory distress.
4. Makes technical changes.
5. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
Amendments Adopted by the House of Representatives
1. Authorizes private schools and preschools to purchase, collect and stock inhalers and spacers.
2. Allows specified private school and preschool employees to administer inhalers under certain conditions.
Senate Action House Action
HHS 1/23/19 DP 8-0-0 ED 3/4/19 DPA 11-0-0-2
3rd Read 2/4/19 29-1-0 3rd Read 4/30/19 41-18-1
Prepared by Senate Research
May 1, 2019
CRS/AG/gs