Schoolchildren with asthma have the right under federal law to self-carry and administer their quick-relief albuterol inhaler while at school. But what happens if the child’s inhaler is left at home? Or gets lost during the school day?
That’s where stock albuterol can benefit students – and help ensure schools are prepared for asthma emergencies.
Stock albuterol laws allow schools to store emergency supplies of quick-relief albuterol inhalers. The laws also permit school officials such as a nurse or teacher to administer a quick-relief inhaler if necessary.
On April 25, 2024, Maryland became the 23rd U.S. state to adopt a stock albuterol law. Gov. Wes Moore signed the bill into law at a ceremony in Annapolis, Maryland. Allergy & Asthma Network Director of Advocacy Charmayne Anderson attended the ceremony after playing a key role – along with other advocacy groups – in getting the legislation passed in the Maryland state house.
Maryland’s stock albuterol law is broadly written. This means any child who is having breathing problems can receive the medication in school.
Maryland becomes one of 23 states including the District of Columbia to have laws or guidelines that permit schools to stock albuterol inhalers. The measures also allow designated staff to administer a stock albuterol inhaler to a student believed to be in respiratory distress.
The following states (including the District of Columbia) have passed stock albuterol legislations, as of April 2024:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- New York
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Wisconsin
The availability of quick-relief albuterol inhalers at school would help ensure timely emergency treatment for students experiencing an asthma attack. Albuterol is the medication inside a quick-relief inhaler that relieves coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.
Asthma is a significant health concern in the United States, with 4.6 million children diagnosed with the condition, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is also a leading cause of school absenteeism, accounting for a total of 13.8 million school days per year.
“Asthma flares should be treated at the first sign of symptoms – any delay can increase the risk for hospitalization,” says Lynda Mitchell, CEO of Allergy & Asthma Network. “By ensuring schools have emergency supplies of stock albuterol on site, we can keep all children with asthma safe.”
You can help get stock albuterol legislation in your state. Find out how you can become an advocate. Reach out to your state representatives andtake action today.
Stock Albuterol is Critical for Asthma Emergencies at School
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