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SB 817

Drugs, Prescription - As enacted, authorizes a healthcare practitioner to prescribe and a pharmacist to dispense a prescribed, bronchodilator rescue inhaler to an authorized entity to be administered to a person believed to be experiencing asthma symptoms or respiratory distress in an emergency situation, under a standing protocol from the healthcare practitioner; encourages schools in LEAs and public charter schools to keep bronchodilator rescue inhalers to be administered to students believed to be having asthma symptoms or in respiratory distress in an emergency situation. - Amends TCA Title 49; Title 53; Title 63 and Title 68.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Adam Lowe

Authorizes prescribed rescue inhalers in schools under standing protocols, enabling emergency administration to students experiencing asthma or respiratory distress.

Comp. became Pub. Ch. 346
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Bill Summary · SB 817

Legislative bill overview

SB 817 allows healthcare practitioners to prescribe rescue inhalers (bronchodilators) to authorized entities under standing protocols, enabling pharmacists to dispense them for emergency use. The bill encourages schools to stock rescue inhalers for students experiencing asthma symptoms or respiratory distress, with legal protections for those administering them in emergencies.

Why is this important

Asthma attacks and respiratory emergencies can be life-threatening, and immediate access to rescue inhalers can prevent severe outcomes or death. This bill addresses a practical gap where students in schools may not have personal inhalers available during emergencies, potentially expanding access to potentially lifesaving medication in critical moments.

Potential points of contention

  • Liability and training concerns: Questions remain about who bears legal responsibility if an inhaler is administered incorrectly, whether school staff receive proper training, and how liability is actually protected under the standing protocol framework
  • Cost and funding: No clear mechanism for how schools will fund inhaler stockpiles or manage ongoing pharmaceutical costs, potentially creating budget burdens for already-stretched LEAs
  • Standing protocol scope: The vague language around "authorized entities" and what constitutes a proper "standing protocol" could lead to inconsistent implementation across school districts and potential misuse

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

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