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HB 1550

Education - As introduced, expands the prescribed forms of epinephrine that an LEA or nonpublic school is authorized to administer when a student is believed to be experiencing a life-threatening allergic or anaphylactic reaction to any prescribed form of epinephrine, not just epinephrine auto-injectors. - Amends TCA Title 49 and Title 68, Chapter 140, Part 5.

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Elaine Davis

Allows Tennessee schools to administer any prescribed epinephrine form during anaphylaxis, not just auto-injectors, to improve emergency response for allergic students.

Transmitted to Governor for his action.
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Bill Summary · HB 1550

Legislative bill overview

HB 1550 expands Tennessee schools' authority to administer epinephrine during anaphylactic emergencies beyond just auto-injectors to include other prescribed forms (such as vials and syringes). The bill amends state education and health laws to clarify which epinephrine delivery methods schools are legally permitted to use when responding to life-threatening allergic reactions in students.

Why is this important

Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency requiring immediate epinephrine administration—delays of even minutes can be fatal. While auto-injectors are common, some patients use alternative epinephrine forms prescribed by their physicians due to age, cost, or medical preference. This bill ensures schools can respond with whatever epinephrine form a student has available without legal liability concerns, potentially improving emergency response outcomes for students with severe allergies.

Potential points of contention

  • Training and liability questions: Schools may lack training to administer non-auto-injector forms safely; unclear whether the bill addresses staff training requirements or liability protections for improper administration
  • Access equity: Students from lower-income families may be more likely to have non-auto-injector forms due to cost; expansion could benefit some while creating pressure on schools to stock multiple epinephrine types
  • Implementation burden: Schools must inventory and maintain different epinephrine formulations with varying storage/expiration requirements, increasing administrative complexity and costs

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

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