ATLANTA – The Georgia House of Representatives today passed House Bill 227 by a vote of 159 to 5. This legislation will better equip students, school nurses, and administrators to respond to potentially fatal allergic reactions that occur in Georgia schools. Freshman State Representative Josh Clark (R-Buford) introduced HB 227 earlier this year, and with today’s passage, he became one of only a few representatives to successfully shepherd legislation through the House in less than two months since beginning his first term of office.
“This bill will help save lives,” said Representative Clark. “Children and adults can die from anaphylaxis shock in as little as 30 minutes after an allergic reaction is triggered, which may be caused by eating certain foods or by insect bites or stings while playing during recess.”
HB 227 amends current law that allows students to carry and self-administer auto-injectable epinephrine, medicine used to reverse an anaphylaxis shock. Specifically, this legislation expands current law to allow a teacher, school administrator, school nurse, or other appropriate school system employee to administer auto-injectable epinephrine to a student in the event they are unable to self-inject.
HB 227 will also allow schools to receive and store epipens for students who cannot self-administer due to age or other reasons. Additionally, the bill would require school systems to provide information on the symptoms of anaphylaxis and the proper administration for auto-injectable epinephrine.
Furthermore, the legislation will provide immunity to teachers and other appropriate school system personnel who choose to administer or not administer the auto-injectable epinephrine in good faith and in an emergency situation.
HB 227 will be sent to the Senate for consideration. For more information on HB 227, please click here.
Representative Josh Clark represents the citizens of District 98, which includes portions of Gwinnett County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves on the Children & Youth, Health & Human Services, and the Small Business Development and Creation committees.
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