New law lets schools treat allergic reactions

[The Straight Story]

New law lets schools treat allergic reactions

Gov. Pat Quinn signed a new law today authorizing school officials to give an epinephrine shot to any student who is suffering a severe allergic reaction.

The legislation follows the December 2010 death of Chicago Public Schools student Katelyn Carlson, who had an allergic reaction to peanuts at a school party.

Under the new law, a nurse could use an EpiPen or other device to administer the medication to any student suspected of having a life-threatening reaction, even if the child is not diagnosed with an allergy, without fear of legal recourse. The law also removes a restriction that prevented schools from keeping a stock of the medicine on hand.

The measure does not require schools to keep the medicine on hand, as lawmakers did not want to issue a mandate schools could not afford. But sponsors of the legislation say they are confident most schools will invest in a supply of the pens, which cost about $100 a dose.

Carlson's family has since filed a wrongful-death suit against the Chinese restaurant that supplied the food, claiming Katelyn's teacher told the restaurant to avoid using peanut products.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/politics/clout/chi-new-law-lets-schools-treat-allergic-reactions-20110815,0,7430256.story

[uppityperson]

1. Seems logical to be able to do this. Good for them to make this legal.

[LiberalFighter]

2. I'm wondering about the reason a restaurant was involved.

[MineralMan]

3. If you have a peanut allergy, a Chinese restaurant is a very

poor dining choice. Odds are the wok guys don't even know what kind of oil they're using, and there are peanut products everywhere.