An Act To Authorize Certain Campers To Self-administer Emergency Medication
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas, there are 225 children's camps in Maine serving more than 65,000 children; and
Whereas, ready access to certain emergency medications can save the lives of children with asthma, severe allergies and other medical conditions; and
Whereas, immediate enactment of this law is necessary to ensure that policies are in place for the summer camp season beginning June 2005; 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,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 22 MRSA §2496, as amended by PL 1999, c. 727, §1, is repealed and the following enacted in its place:
1. Department rulemaking. The department is authorized and empowered to make and enforce all necessary rules and regulations for the administration of this chapter, and may rescind or modify such rules and regulations from time to time as may be in the public interest, insofar as such action is not in conflict with any of the provisions of this chapter. Rules adopted pursuant to this subsection are routine technical rules as defined in Title 5, chapter 375, subchapter 2-A.
2. Recreational camps for children; emergency medication. A recreational camp for boys or girls must have a written policy authorizing campers to self-administer emergency medication, including, but not limited to, an asthma inhaler or an epinephrine pen. The written policy must include the following requirements:
A. A camper who self-administers emergency medication must have the prior written approval of the camper's primary health care provider and the camper's parent or guardian;
B. The camper's parent or guardian must submit written verification to the camp from the camper's primary health care provider confirming that the camper has the knowledge and the skills to safely self-administer the emergency medication in camp;
C. The camp health staff must evaluate the camper's technique to ensure proper and effective use of the emergency medication in camp; and
D. The emergency medication must be readily available to the camper.
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this Act takes effect when approved.
Effective May 20, 2005.
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