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Bill

H 2526

An Act relative to the provision and administration of bronchodilators, spacers, and nebulizers in schools

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Jeff Roy

Bill authorizes Massachusetts schools to stock and administer rescue inhalers and nebulizers to students experiencing respiratory distress, expanding emergency medical capacity to address asthma crises.

Reported favorably by committee and referred to the committee on Health Care Financing
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Bill Summary · H 2526

Legislative bill overview

H 2526 authorizes Massachusetts schools to stock and administer bronchodilators (rescue inhalers), spacers, and nebulizers to students experiencing acute respiratory distress, similar to existing school-based automated external defibrillator (AED) programs. The bill would allow trained school personnel to provide these medications to any student in respiratory crisis, not just those with known asthma diagnoses or existing prescriptions.

Why is this important

Asthma affects approximately 8-10% of school-age children and can cause life-threatening respiratory emergencies. Current law typically requires students to have personal inhalers or prescriptions on file, which may be unavailable during emergencies or for undiagnosed cases. Allowing schools to maintain emergency bronchodilator supplies could reduce response time and prevent hospitalizations or fatalities from acute asthma attacks.

Potential points of contention

  • Liability and training standards: Unclear who bears liability if a student has an adverse reaction, and what training/certification school staff must complete to administer respiratory medications
  • Medical oversight: Questions about whether standing orders from physicians are required, how schools determine appropriate dosing, and what medical screening occurs before administration
  • Cost and implementation: Funding for medication purchases, staff training, equipment maintenance, and whether this creates unfunded mandates for districts with limited budgets
  • Equity concerns: Whether well-funded districts will implement programs while under-resourced districts cannot, creating disparities in emergency access

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

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