Venkat, Cerrato, Giral, Kosierowski, Marcell, Mihalek, Shaffer, & Warner introduce bipartisan legislation to update statutes on the use of epinephrine to treat serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
Rep. Arvind Venkat, Rep. Melissa Cerrato, Rep. Jose Giral, Rep. Bridget M. Kosierowski April 2, 2025 | 12:16 PM
HARRISBURG, April 2 – State Reps. Arvind Venkat, Melissa Cerrato, Jose Giral, Bridget M. Kosierowski, Kristin Marcell, Natalie Mihalek, Jeremy Shaffer and Ryan Warner have introduced two bipartisan bills that would ensure all Food and Drug Administration-approved formulations of epinephrine – used to treat serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis – can be administered in Pennsylvania schools and other settings as currently codified in state law.
The legislative package (H.B.s 1043 and 1044) would replace “epinephrine auto-injector” with “epinephrine delivery system” in current statutes related to the use of epinephrine under state law. In August 2024, the FDA approved a nasal formulation of epinephrine for treatment of serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis, necessitating an update of current state law.
“A quick and decisive response often means the difference between life and death for patients suffering from an allergic reaction, and epinephrine is the definitive treatment for this serious or even life-threatening condition. By making a simple change in statutory terminology, other FDA-approved formulations of epinephrine will be recognized under Pennsylvania law and ensure that we can rapidly treat serious allergic reactions or anaphylaxis in schools and other settings across the Commonwealth,” Venkat, D-Allegheny, said. “I’m so grateful to all my legislative partners for their collaboration on this issue that transcends party lines.”
“This bipartisan legislation is a testament to our shared dedication to the health and safety of Pennsylvania's children. By ensuring access to up-to-date formulations of epinephrine in schools, we provide school medical staff with the tools they need to save lives when every second counts,” Cerrato, D-Montgomery, added. “This bill offers parents peace of mind, knowing their children are protected and cared for, and ensures that every student can feel safe and supported within their school community."
"Keeping Pennsylvanians safe and healthy is one of my top priorities," Giral, D-Philadelphia, said. "Recognizing all formulations of epinephrine in schools and other settings to treat allergic reactions when seconds count can and will save lives, which is why I'm proud to co-sponsor these bills."
"As a registered nurse for 30 years, I know full well how important time is during an emergency,” Kosierowski, D-Lackawanna, added. “This tweak to state law will allow epinephrine to be more readily available when people need it.”
"This legislation is critically important, since it will help to ensure all Pennsylvanians continue to have access to the most up-to-date epinephrine options," Marcell, R-Bucks, said. “This update will give certain institutions and public spaces – like our schools – flexibility to use the safest and most effective tools available, without delay or confusion."
“There are no seconds to waste when someone experiences an allergic reaction to food. House Bills 1043 and 1044 provide a commonsense approach, allowing for another form of epinephrine to be administered in schools,” Mihalek, R-Allegheny/Washington, added. “We are providing another tool to medical staff to help save lives and expedite treatment for anaphylaxis. I am grateful for the partnership with my colleagues and their work on this important legislation.”
"This is a commonsense update to allow the latest medical devices to be utilized to benefit our children,” Shaffer, R-Allegheny, said. “I’m always glad to work in a bipartisan way with my colleagues in the House.”
“As someone who watched his child go into anaphylactic shock after simply touching a cashew several years ago, I want to do everything I can to prevent other kids and parents from having to go through the same terrifying experience of waiting for help,” Warner, R-Fayette, added. “We had no idea my son was allergic until that day, so it’s important for our schools and other facilities to have tools on hand to quickly and effectively treat these unexpected and potentially deadly allergic reactions.”
Venkat and Mihalek have also introduced legislation (H.B. 77) that would require food allergy notifications in restaurants and other food establishments. That bill passed the PA House two months ago.
House Bills 1043 and 1044 have been referred to the House Health Committee.