Drawing Illinois closer to the enactment of the life-saving Annie LeGere Law, the House of Representatives passed an amendment that would encourage medical professionals’ participation in the initiative to equip police officers with epinephrine auto-injectors (EpiPens) for allergy-related emergencies.
The Annie LeGere Law, a community-led effort, has drawn a great deal of interest from law enforcement and health professionals as a vital new public safety measure. A western suburban police department has already budgeted for EpiPens and extensive device training. Health providers, however, have expressed the need for more reassurance before issuing the prescriptions and signing off on the training programs.
The sponsors of Senate Bill 2226 believe it will offer medical professionals the coverage they need to join the initiative and help continue implementation in Illinois. The amendment specifies that a physician, physician’s assistant or advanced practice registered nurse with prescriptive authority who provides a prescription or standing order for epinephrine for an Illinois police department will not be subject to civil or professional liability for law enforcement’s misuse of the medication.
The Annie LeGere Law, effective as of January 2017, allows for Illinois police officers to carry and administer EpiPens on duty as an emergency measure to reverse life-threatening allergic reactions following proper training and procedural requirements. The legislation was inspired by Elmhurst’s own Annie LeGere, a 13-year-old who passed away from a fatal allergic reaction that could have been prevented by epinephrine.
Senate Bill 2226 has been sent to the Governor and awaits his signature for enactment.