On February 6, 2007, Councilmember Catania introduced the "Student Access to Treatment Act of 2007," in order to make District schools safer for thousands of District schoolchildren who suffer from asthma or severe allergies.

The legislation would allow students diagnosed with asthma or severe allergies to possess and self-administer prescribed medications or auto-injectable epinephrine while on school property or at school-sponsored activities. It would also require each child to have an individualized asthma plan and each school to maintain spare asthma and allergy medications for emergency use.  The legislation also allows for trained school employees to administer medication to students in emergency situations.

The Committee held a hearing on the legislation on June 7, 2007.  Testimony was provided by healthcare advocates, members of the community and the Department of Health. 

On July 10, 2007, the Council passed emergency and temporary versions of the legislation, ensuring that students will have immediate access to critical medications when the 2007-2008 school year begins. 

On September 26, 2007, the Committee on Health marked up the permanent version of the legislation.  The full Council unanimously approved the legislation on first reading during the October 23, 2007, additional legislative meeting with second reading scheduled for November.

Introduced Version of Bill 17-092
February 6, 2007 Press Release
June 7, 2007 Hearing Agenda
July 10, 2007 Press Release