Rep. Klarides-Ditria Applauds EpiPen Legislation Being Signed into Law

HARTFORD – State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria, a member of the Public Health Committee, attended the bill signing of Public Act 19-19 – An Act Concerning Epinephrine Auto-Injectors on Wednesday, June 26th.

Rep. Klarides-Ditria, a co-sponsor of the bill, said, “It is important that we established training, storage and medication administration requirements for the use of EpiPens. EpiPens are used daily to save lives and using them correctly and storing them correctly will save more lives.”

The bill allows an authorized entity (e.g., for-profit or non-profit entity) to acquire and maintain a supply of epinephrine auto-injectors (e.g., EpiPens) from a wholesaler and provide or administer them to a person experiencing an anaphylactic reaction. To do this, the authorized entity must (1) establish a medical protocol with a prescribing practitioner and (2) have at least one employee or agent trained in recognizing the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, administering the medication, and following emergency protocol.

The bill establishes related training, storage, and medication administration requirements.

The bill also generally grants immunity from civil and criminal liability to (1) prescribing practitioners who establish medical protocols with authorized entities and (2) authorized entities, the state or its political subdivisions, or their trained employees who provide or administer epinephrine auto-injectors to someone experiencing anaphylaxis.

Additionally, the bill authorizes the commissioners of consumer protection or public health to adopt regulations to implement the bill’s provisions.