An Act To Protect Vulnerable Children by Allowing the Use of Emergency Medication

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  municipal employees working in a municipality's summer recreational program need to be allowed and trained to administer epinephrine pens before the 2008 summer recreational program begins; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,

Sec. 1. 30-A MRSA §3108  is enacted to read:

§ 3108.  Emergency medication and municipalities

A municipality that operates a municipal recreational program shall ensure that the municipal personnel supervising the municipal recreational program are trained to administer medication, including, but not limited to, an asthma inhaler or an epinephrine pen, to any child in that municipality's care who requires that medication. Municipal personnel who have received the training may administer medication.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

summary

This bill requires a municipality that operates a municipal recreational program ensure that the municipal personnel supervising the municipal recreational program are trained to administer medication, including, but not limited to, an asthma inhaler or an epinephrine pen, to any child in that municipality's care who requires that medication. Municipal personnel who have received the training may administer medication.