New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced the Assembly passed legislation he supported that would allow students with asthma, allergies and diabetes to carry and use prescribed medication while at school (A.9334-B).

“All children should feel safe while at school, especially those with serious health conditions,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “In the case of a medical emergency, there’s often no time to spare. This legislation would give peace of mind to both students and their parents by ensuring they have access to the medication they need at all times.”

The Assembly’s bill would authorize students who have been diagnosed with an asthmatic or respiratory condition, allergies or diabetes to carry and use a prescribed inhaler, epinephrine auto injector or supplies related to treating diabetes during the school day and at any school function. The legislation requires that a student have a written statement from his or her physician diagnosing the condition and confirming that the student can properly self-administer the prescribed medication, along with written parental consent to carry and use the prescribed medical device or medication. Further, the bill requires the school to maintain extra medication or supplies for the student at the written request of a parent.

The legislation would establish consistency when it comes to self-administered medications in schools throughout the state and help ensure an emergency medical situation is handled as swiftly and safely as possible, noted Thiele.