Requires employers to include an epinephrine auto-injector device where first aid kits are required by federal law

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Phil Steck and 1 co-sponsor

Requires employers to add an epinephrine auto-injector to first aid kits already required by federal law, boosting quick access during severe allergic reactions.

REFERRED TO LABOR

Summary: New York Assembly Bill A 8461

At a glance

Bill Number: A 8461

Title: Requires employers to include an epinephrine auto-injector device where first aid kits are required by federal law

Status: Referenced to the Labor Committee

Introduced: May 16, 2025

Legislative Actions:

2025-05-16: REFERRED TO LABOR (listed twice in the record)

Sponsor:

Primary: Phil Steck
Cosponsor: Mary Beth Walsh

Purpose and intent

The bill aims to enhance workplace readiness for severe allergic reactions by mandating that employers place an epinephrine auto-injector (EAI) in first aid kits in workplaces where federal law already requires the provision of first aid kits. The core intent appears to be increasing timely access to epinephrine for employees or visitors experiencing an anaphylactic emergency, thereby potentially saving lives.

Key provisions (as stated in the bill’s title)

Requirement trigger: Applies to workplaces that are already obligated by federal law to maintain first aid kits.

Compliance obligation: Employers must include an epinephrine auto-injector device within those first aid kits.

Note: The provided information does not include further specifics on implementation details such as the number of EAIs required, placement within the kit, maintenance, expiration date management, training requirements, storage considerations, cost allocations, or liability protections. Those details, if included in the full text, would shape operational requirements for employers.

Who would be affected

Employers: Particularly those operating in workplaces where first aid kits are federally mandated. Employers would be responsible for procuring, maintaining, and ensuring accessibility of the epinephrine auto-injector within the first aid kit.

Employees and visitors: Increased likelihood of timely access to epinephrine during severe allergic reactions, potentially improving emergency response outcomes.

Epinephrine auto-injector suppliers/maintainers: May experience changes in demand and potential requirements for storage/maintenance protocols.

Potential impacts and considerations

Public health impact: Potential improvement in emergency response to anaphylaxis in workplace settings.

Cost implications: Employers might incur costs for purchasing EAIs and replacing expired devices; ongoing maintenance requirements could arise.

Operational considerations: Possible need for staff training on recognizing anaphylaxis and calling emergency services, along with guidance on correct EAI use.

Liability and compliance: Details on liability protections, enforcement mechanisms, and penalties are not provided in the summary available.

Procedural and timeline notes

The bill is at the committee referral stage (Labor). No further action, votes, or timelines are provided in the information given. If advanced, it would proceed through committee markup, floor consideration, and potential amendments before any final passage and transmission to the Senate.

Next steps for readers

Monitor updates from the Assembly Labor Committee for any hearings, amendments, or votes.

Review the full text of A 8461 when available to understand specifications on the number of EAIs, training requirements, maintenance, and enforcement provisions.