|
Committee on Health Approves Student Self-Administration of Asthma Medication |
|
|
COMMITTEE ALSO MOVES FORWARD WITH DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH CARE FINANCE; ANIMAL WELFARE LEGISLATION
On September 26, 2007, the Committee on Health unanimously approved Bill 17-92, the “Student Access to Treatment Act of 2007,” authored by Councilmember Catania. The law allows District students who suffer from asthma and severe allergies to carry and administer doctor prescribed medication during school hours and at school-sponsored activities.
“This law corrects a dangerous situation,” said Catania. “District children have some of the highest asthma rates in the country, yet we are only one of four states that prohibit self-administration of asthma medication while at school. This legislation will give our students the security of immediate access to their potentially life-saving medications.”
Over 12,000 children in the District suffer from asthma or severe allergies. Many of these children have attacks while at school or school activities. Delays in treatment aggravate the symptoms of asthma and allergies and frequently lead to the hospitalization of District school children. Last year alone, nearly 900 of the over 8,400 asthma-related visits to school health suites resulted in a District student being taken to the hospital.
The Committee also marked-up Bill 17-76, the “Department of Health Care Finance Establishment Act of 2007” and Bill 17-89, the “Animal Protection Amendment Act of 2007.” Bill 17-76 will create an independent health care finance administration, with the goal of developing and administering a comprehensive, efficient and cost-effective health care system for the District’s eligible uninsured, under-insured and low-income populations. Bill 17-89 takes a much-needed look at our current animal welfare and control laws while also addressing new concerns, such as the correlation between domestic abuse and animal cruelty.
|
|
Last Updated ( Thursday, 27 September 2007 )
|
