24:6L-2 Findings, declarations relative to epinephrine auto-injectors.

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 offers a broad array of outdoor, cultural, and culinary experiences which may expose its citizens to different kinds of insects and foods for the first time;

d. Exposure to insects or food resulting in an allergic reaction may occur in settings, such as youth camps, where medical professionals or first responders are not available to provide emergency care for anaphylaxis;

e. The State of New Jersey, at P.L.1997, c.368 (C.18A:40-12.5 et seq.) and P.L.2013, c.211 (C.18A:61D-11 et seq.), has already recognized the value of training non-medical professionals to administer this life-saving drug in K-12 educational settings and institutions of higher education when a medical professional is not physically present at the scene; and

f. It is prudent to similarly provide members of the public who have completed an approved training course with the tools necessary to respond to emergency anaphylaxis situations when assistance from medical professionals and first responders is not readily available.

L.2015, c.215, s.2.