Ohio schools and camps could use more epinephrine devices

A student may possess and use an epinephrine delivery system to treat anaphylaxis. This applies to students in public school districts and chartered nonpublic schools, at school and at school activities or events. A prescriber must give written approval, and a parent, guardian, or caregiver must also approve if the student is a minor. The principal or school nurse must receive the approvals and a backup dose from the parent, guardian, caregiver, or adult student. After a student uses the device, or a school employee gives a dose through the student's device, an employee must immediately call emergency medical services.

Public school districts and covered camps may obtain epinephrine delivery systems for emergencies and must set rules for their storage and use. This applies to public school districts and residential or child day camps, including certain camps run by local governments. They may obtain devices through a prescriber's supply or prescription, or through a prescriber-issued protocol. Before adopting rules, the district superintendent or camp must consult a prescriber. The rules must cover storage, replacement, disposal, who may use a device, any required training, and when to call emergency medical services.

The state pharmacy board must adopt rules naming approved devices or products that deliver a measured dose of epinephrine by any route. The text names autoinjectors and nasal sprays, and allows the board to designate other devices or products. The devices or products designated must be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for giving a premeasured dose of epinephrine.