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H 574

An act relating to the use and maintenance of epinephrine at child care facilities

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Leanne Harple

Allows child care facilities to stock epinephrine and train staff to administer it promptly during anaphylaxis, with immunity protections and standardized allergy plans.

Rep. Wood of Waterbury moved that the Committee on Human Services be relieved of the bill and that the same be committed to the Committee on Education, which was agreed to
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Bill Summary · H 574

Summary of H.574 (Session 2025-2026) — Vermont

Purpose

H.574 proposes to authorize Vermont child care facilities to maintain a stock supply of epinephrine (EpiPen-type devices) and designate trained personnel to administer epinephrine in emergency situations, including life-threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). The bill aims to improve emergency response and reduce barriers to timely epinephrine administration in child care settings.

Key Provisions

Stock supply and administration

  • Stock epinephrine: Child care providers may maintain a stock supply of FDA-approved, single-use epinephrine delivery systems.
  • Designated personnel: Facilities may designate employees or volunteers who have completed required training to administer epinephrine under this section.
  • Prescriber involvement: Health care professionals may issue a standing order authorizing the use of epinephrine in the facility, with an accompanying protocol.
    • Standing order elements to be established by the prescriber include:
    • Recognizing life-threatening allergic reactions
    • Administering epinephrine
    • Post-epinephrine care (calling emergency services, documentation)
    • Disposal of used or expired epinephrine
  • Dispensing: Licensed pharmacists or other health care professionals may dispense the prescribed epinephrine to the child care provider.

Authorization and use

  • A child care provider may enter into arrangements with manufacturers or suppliers to obtain epinephrine for the stock supply at no cost or at reduced/ fair-market prices.
  • Designated personnel may:
    • Administer prescribed epinephrine to a child per the plan of action in the child’s health records
    • Administer epinephrine, per the standing-order protocol, to any child or individual experiencing anaphylaxis at the facility, even without a personal prescription

Immunity and liability

  • Designated personnel, the child care provider, and the prescribing health care professional are immune from civil or criminal liability for administering epinephrine under this section, except for intentional misconduct.
  • The act clarifies that providing or administering epinephrine under this section does not constitute the practice of medicine.

Division rules and implementation

  • The Vermont Division, in consultation with the Department of Health, must adopt rules (3 V.S.A. chapter 25) to:
    • Prevent allergen exposure in child care facilities
    • Outline procedures for responding to life-threatening reactions and post-emergency steps
    • Develop a joint, written individualized allergy management plan of action for each child with life-threatening allergies
    • Plan must:
      • Align with the child’s health care professional’s instructions
      • Become part of the child’s health records at the facility
      • Be updated annually
    • Require education and training for providers and designated personnel on storing and administering epinephrine and recognizing allergic reactions
    • Require facilities to publicly post their protocols and policies

Affected Parties

  • Child care providers: May maintain stock epinephrine, designate trained personnel, implement a standing-order protocol, and participate in allergy management planning.
  • Designated personnel: Trained staff (employees or volunteers) authorized to administer epinephrine under the standing order.
  • Health care professionals: Issue standing orders and establish administration protocols.
  • Parents/Guardians and Children: Children with life-threatening allergies will have an individualized allergy management plan integrated into their health records; parents will be involved in plan development.
  • Division of Health and Department of Health: To adopt implementing rules and oversee program provisions.

Effective Date

  • The act takes effect on July 1, 2026.

Procedural notes

  • Originally introduced in the House Education committee, with refocusing by April 2026 to the House Human Services committee, indicating potential cross-cutting considerations across human services and education sectors.

Practical Impact

  • Improves rapid access to epinephrine during allergic emergencies in child care settings.
  • Reduces delays caused by the need to obtain an epinephrine prescription for each incident.
  • Provides legal protection for staff acting in good faith during emergencies.
  • Establishes standardized allergy management practices and training across facilities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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