SPRINGFIELD – A new law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy will allow after-school program employees to administer lifesaving medication to kids, such as inhalers and EpiPens.

“After-school programs don’t often have trained nurses on staff, which can leave children who have asthma or allergies without access to lifesaving medication,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Parents deserve to have the confidence that their children will be safe if they are enrolled in sports, art classes and other enriching programs just as they are in school.”

To ensure continuity between regular school hours to after-care, the law allows after-school program personnel to administer an EpiPen or asthma medication to children in distress. It ensures that the current training requirements of schools are carried over to after-school programs.

Prior to the legislation, if a child suffers an asthma attack, allergic reaction or other condition at school that prevents them from being able to self-administer, a school nurse or other trained personnel must be on hand to administer the medication. There was no such requirement for after-school programs.

“This law will empower after-school staff and provide them with the confidence to act in the event of an emergency situation,” Murphy said. “After-school programs offer incredible opportunities for our kids. They should be free to enjoy their time without the fear that they won’t have access to medicine if they need it.”

House Bill 2949 was signed into law on Friday.