18A:61D-12 Findings, declarations relative to insect and food allergies.

2. The Legislature finds and declares that:

a. Insect and food allergies are the leading cause of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition that is easily treatable with epinephrine, a medication only available via prescription;

b. Individuals who are known to be at risk of anaphylaxis may carry emergency doses of epinephrine with them at all times. However, many individuals may not be aware of their allergy and therefore do not carry epinephrine medication;

c. New Jersey's institutions of higher education enroll students and attract faculty from around the country and around the world. They offer a broad array of educational opportunities for the students and faculty, both on and off campus, including trips and field studies to new environments that may expose them to different kinds of insects and foods for the first time. These are often remote settings where medical professionals or first responders are not available to provide emergency care for anaphylaxis;

d. The State of New Jersey in P.L.1997, c.368 (C.18A:40-12.5 et seq.) has already recognized the value of training non-medical professionals to administer this life-saving drug in K-12 educational settings when a medical professional is not physically present at the scene; and

e. It would be prudent to provide individuals in higher education settings who are responsible for the safety of one or more individuals with the tools to respond to emergency situations, particularly when placed in settings where exposure to unfamiliar insects or types of food is likely and where assistance from medical professionals and first responders is not readily available.

L.2013, c.211, s.2.