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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2025 - 2026
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 28, 2025 10:02 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Bridget M. Kosierowski and Rep. Kristin Marcell |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Use of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors in Day Care Facilities |
| In 2017, three-year old Elijah Silvera tragically died at his day care facility after he was fed a grilled cheese sandwich, despite facility staff being aware of his dairy allergy. Food allergies are the most common cause of anaphylaxis among children. This potentially life-threatening medical condition can occur within seconds to minutes of exposure. Under current law in Pennsylvania, day care facilities are given the option of obtaining epinephrine auto-injectors but are not required to maintain a supply. In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation that would ensure day care facilities can obtain prescriptions for and maintain a constant supply of epinephrine auto-injectors with available funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. While current Pennsylvania law requires facility employees and agents to receive training, this legislation will further strengthen the law to support training for administering proper weight-based doses of epinephrine as well as assisting day-care facilities with providing informational materials for parents and guardians to better recognize the signs and symptoms of allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis. This legislation is essential in helping to provide immediate care for children in the care of a facility that may have an allergic reaction or go into anaphylaxis due to a food allergy. Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation to ensure the health and safety of our children. |