TRENTON, NJ – Legislation sponsored by Senator Michael Testa (R-1) to expand access to epinephrine in schools, colleges, and youth camps has cleared the Senate Health, Human Services, and Senior Citizens Committee.
The bill would allow educational institutions and youth camps to use any FDA-approved single-unit epinephrine mechanism, rather than being restricted to a single brand or auto-injector model during an allergic emergency.
Testa said the measure aims to ensure staff can act immediately when a student or camper suffers a severe allergic reaction.
Key Points
- Testa’s bill allows schools and camps to use any FDA-approved epinephrine device.
- The legislation broadens access beyond current law requiring a specific auto-injector type.
- The goal is to ensure faster emergency response during life-threatening allergic reactions.
Bill removes limits on epinephrine administration devices
Under existing New Jersey law, only prefilled auto-injector mechanisms can be used to administer epinephrine during an in-school anaphylaxis event. Testa’s bill updates the statute to permit any FDA-approved epinephrine delivery system, including emerging technologies that may be easier to use or more affordable.
“When a student is experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction, every second counts,” Testa said. “This legislation ensures that schools, institutions of higher education, and youth camps aren’t limited to only one type of epinephrine auto-injector and instead can use any single-unit dose mechanism immediately to save a child’s life.”
Measure aims to strengthen school emergency preparedness
Supporters of the bill say the change will make it easier for schools and youth programs to stock emergency medication, reduce cost barriers, and improve access to life-saving treatment options as new devices receive federal approval.
The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration.
