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H 4943

An Act relative to epinephrine injectors

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Kim Ferguson and 5 co-sponsors

The bill aims to improve access to epinephrine injectors by requiring availability, trained administration, and funding/support in public settings to speed emergency treatment of s

Reporting date extended to Thursday, December 31, 2026
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Bill Summary · H 4943

Bill overview

  • Bill: H 4943
  • Session: 194th (Massachusetts)
  • Title: An Act relative to epinephrine injectors
  • Status history:
    • 2026-01-23: Reported from the Committee on Financial Services; new draft of H1206; reported favorably by committee and referred to the Committee on Health Care Financing
    • 2026-01-23: (Action) New draft and favorable report from Financial Services
    • 2026-07-09: Reporting date extended to Thursday, December 31, 2026
  • Sponsors: Co-sponsors include Hannah Kane, Brad Jones, Paul Frost, Kim Ferguson, Todd Smola, and Patrick Kearney

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to improve access to epinephrine injectors (epinephrine auto-injectors), commonly used to treat severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). While the precise statutory language is not provided here, the title and committee actions indicate the measure is designed to enhance availability, affordability, or administration protocols for epinephrine injectors within specified settings (e.g., schools, workplaces, or public facilities) and to establish related duties or funding mechanisms.

Key provisions and changes (subject to final language)

Based on typical provisions for acts “relative to epinephrine injectors,” expected elements likely include:

  • Accessibility requirements: Mandates or authorizations for epinephrine injectors to be available in specified locations (e.g., public schools, child care facilities, athletic facilities, or public buildings) and accessible to trained personnel.
  • Authorization and training: Provisions for who may administer epinephrine injectors and any required training or standing orders for staff, volunteers, or designated individuals.
  • Stock and inventory standards: Guidelines on stock levels, secure storage, expiry monitoring, and procedures for restocking shared injectors.
  • Funding or reimbursement: Allocation of state funds, grants, or reimbursement mechanisms to support procurement, replacement, or education related to epinephrine injectors.
  • Liability protections: Protections for good-faith administration of epinephrine injectors to reduce legal risk for bystanders or institutions acting under the act.
  • Reporting and oversight: Requirements for reporting usage, inventory status, or training completion to a state department (likely the Department of Public Health or a health financing entity), and potential oversight by the specified committee (Health Care Financing).

Note: The exact text may refine who is covered (schools, shelters, recreation facilities), the type of injector (epinephrine auto-injectors), and the timeline for compliance.

Who would be affected

  • Institutions and organizations: Public schools, school districts, child care centers, sports leagues, and other facilities that sponsor activities where allergic reactions could occur.
  • Employees and volunteers: Staff and volunteers responsible for recognizing anaphylaxis and administering epinephrine, subject to training requirements.
  • Healthcare and public health departments: State agencies involved in health care financing, public health policy, and program implementation.
  • Individuals with allergies: Students, staff, and participants at risk of anaphylaxis who would benefit from improved access to emergency epinephrine.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Committee process: The bill moved through the Financial Services Committee with a favorable report and was referred to the Health Care Financing Committee for further action, indicating a cross-cutting approach involving health financing and public health oversight.
  • Reporting date extension: The reporting deadline has been extended to December 31, 2026, giving additional time for review, potential amendments, and stakeholder input.
  • Next steps: If advanced, the bill would proceed to further committee hearings, potential amendments, and eventually floor votes in the Massachusetts General Court, followed by signature or veto considerations.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Enhances readiness to respond to anaphylactic emergencies by expanding access to epinephrine injectors.
  • May reduce time to treatment in schools and other organizations, potentially improving health outcomes.
  • Could involve upfront costs for procurement and ongoing costs for replacement, training, and maintenance, balanced by potential savings in emergency care and improved safety.
  • Liability protections and clear protocols could encourage broader adoption and reduce hesitancy among staff and volunteers.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., educators, school administrators, policymakers) or compare it with existing state provisions on epinephrine injectors.

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

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