By Bob Katzen
House 154-0, approved and sent to the Senate a bill that would expand access to epinephrine autoinjectors that are used to treat anaphylaxis – a severe, sudden and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction.
The measure would allow frequently visited and authorized public entities such as restaurants, sports arenas, recreation camps and universities to obtain, store and administer epinephrine. It also empowers trained personnel to act swiftly in emergencies, even when the affected individual does not have a known allergy or prescription on file.
Other provisions require that individuals complete an approved anaphylaxis training program and submit proof of that training to the Department of Public Health; establish clear protocols for storage and oversight; and provide appropriate liability protections for those acting in good faith, while preserving accountability in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
“Anaphylaxis is sudden, severe and often fatal,” said Rep. Thomas Moakley (D-Falmouth) who sponsored an earlier version of the measure. “It does not require a prior diagnosis. It does not wait for an ambulance to arrive, and it does not distinguish between known allergy sufferers and individuals experiencing their first reaction. When it [occurs], the immediate administration of epinephrine is often the only intervention that can prevent a tragedy.”
Moakley continued, “The journey that led to the [bill] began when I met a constituent, Megan Shai Brown [who] has been the heart and soul of this bill, fiercely advocating for life saving legislation in the wake of her own family tragedy. Megan lost her husband, Michael Brown at age 42 from a wasp sting and unknown allergy during a charity golf tournament in 2023. In the wake of that devastating and unexpected loss, Megan learned that Michael’s passing may have been avoided if an Epipen were more readily available. She then set her mind to make that happen, first on Martha’s Vineyard and then across all of Massachusetts.”
“This legislation will help students experiencing a life-threatening allergic reaction to
receive immediate care when every second matters,” said Rep. Bruce Ayers (D-Quincy), the sponsor of an earlier version of the proposal. “By allowing properly trained school personnel to administer epinephrine in emergencies when a school nurse is not immediately available, this bill strengthens student safety while maintaining appropriate oversight, training, and accountability standards.”
(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)
Rep. Christine Barber Yes Rep. Mike Connolly Yes Rep. Paul Donato Yes Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven Yes