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SR 204

REQUESTING THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO ESTABLISH A PILOT PROGRAM IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND CHARTER SCHOOLS TO HAVE AVAILABLE STAFF TRAINED IN EPINEPHRINE ADMINISTRATION.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Stanley Chang and 4 co-sponsors

Hawaii seeks to train school staff to administer epinephrine during severe allergic reactions, improving emergency response but raising cost, liability, and implementation questions.

Referred to EDU/HHS.
#charterschools #departmentofeducation #epinephrine #pilotprogram #publicschools
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Bill Summary · SR 204

Legislative bill overview

SR 204 requests that Hawaii's Department of Education establish a pilot program enabling trained staff in public and charter schools to administer epinephrine (via auto-injectors like EpiPens) to students experiencing severe allergic reactions. The bill does not mandate the program but asks the department to develop and implement this initiative as a pilot effort.

Why is this important

Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) can be life-threatening and require rapid epinephrine administration to prevent death or serious injury. Currently, many schools lack staff trained to administer epinephrine, potentially delaying critical emergency response. This pilot program could improve student safety by ensuring trained personnel are available during the critical window when medication is most effective.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and liability concerns: Schools may face concerns about program costs, staff training expenses, and potential liability exposure if trained staff administer epinephrine incorrectly or if adverse outcomes occur despite proper administration.
  • Staff burden and scope of practice: The bill does not clarify which staff members would be trained (teachers, nurses, administrators) or whether this expands non-medical personnel beyond their typical duties, potentially creating resistance from unions or administrators.
  • Implementation and monitoring: As a pilot program, questions remain about which schools participate, how success is measured, what happens after the pilot ends, and whether adequate data collection will inform future expansion decisions.

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

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