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SB 2196

AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 3 of section 15.1-19-16 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to student self-administration of asthma or anaphylaxis medication.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26) Introduced by Michelle Axtman and 5 co-sponsors

Defines emergency medication in North Dakota law as inhaled asthma meds and epinephrine autoinjectors, clarifying school self‑administration and access for students.

Filed with Secretary Of State 03/31
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Bill Summary · SB 2196

Summary — SB 2196 (North Dakota)

AN ACT to amend and reenact subsection 3 of section 15.1‑19‑16, N.D.C.C. (student self‑administration of asthma or anaphylaxis medication)

Purpose

The bill narrowly clarifies the statutory definition of “emergency medication” for the law that governs student self‑administration of medication at school. Its intent is to expressly include common asthma and anaphylaxis rescue therapies so that those items are unambiguously covered by the student self‑administration provisions.

Key provision

  • Amends and reenacts subsection 3 of N.D.C.C. § 15.1‑19‑16 to define “emergency medication” to include:
    • A prescription drug delivered by inhalation to alleviate asthmatic symptoms (for example, a metered‑dose inhaler such as albuterol); and
    • A device that contains a premeasured dose of epinephrine (an epinephrine autoinjector) to prevent or treat a life‑threatening allergic reaction.

The change is definitional only; it does not, by itself, change other procedural requirements in § 15.1‑19‑16 (such as parental/physician authorization, school notification, training or recordkeeping) unless those provisions rely on the statute’s definition.

Who is affected

  • Students with asthma and/or severe allergies (and their families): clarifies that inhalers and epinephrine autoinjectors fall within the statute’s protections for self‑administration.
  • K–12 schools, school nurses, and school staff: provides clearer statutory grounding for policies that permit or manage student self‑carrying and use of these emergency medications.
  • Prescribing healthcare providers and parents: may reduce ambiguity when completing authorization forms required by schools.
  • School districts and administrators: may need to review/update written policies or training materials to reflect the clarified definition.

Procedural status and timeline (as provided)

  • Introduced: March 11, 2025
  • Passed both chambers (unanimous roll calls reported)
  • Signed by the Governor: May 20, 2025
  • Effective date: September 1, 2025
  • Companion bill: HB 1194

Notes / Practical effect

This is a targeted statutory clarification intended to remove uncertainty about whether common rescue devices (inhalers and epinephrine autoinjectors) qualify as “emergency medication” under the student self‑administration law. By explicitly naming these items, the amendment should help students obtain timely access to lifesaving therapies at school and assist schools in applying consistent policies. It does not, on its face, alter consent, documentation, training, or liability provisions that may be set out elsewhere in § 15.1‑19‑16.

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

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