Legislature Passes Ranker Bill to Protect Children and Others in Remote Areas

— from Rick Manugian, Senator Ranker’s Office —

People at camps and other remote areas will gain access to epi-pens as a result of legislation passed by the House this week.

Senate Bill 6421, sponsored by Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-Orcas Island, will allow the use of epi-pens at camps, parks, athletic fields and similar areas, provided staff complete training approved by the state Department of Health and the organization has a collaborative agreement with an emergency health care provider. Epi-pens, or epinephrine autoinjectors, deliver a single dose of epinephrine or adrenalin to treat allergic reactions to prevent anaphylactic shock.

“Epi-pens are available in schools and other facilities, but people who have allergic reactions need them just as critically in remote areas, if not more so, because you can be a long ways from help,” Ranker said. “This legislation fills an important gap.”

Paul Sheridan, the executive director of the Four Winds Westward Ho camp on Orcas Island, testified to the need for the bill during a hearing in the Senate Health Care Committee.
“In a remote location, this is a drug that can save lives if administered immediately,” Sheridan said. “Having it on our property increases safety for kids without introducing any substantial risks, and that’s why we contacted Sen. Ranker and asked his help.”

Since the bill had already passed the Senate and then passed the House without being amended, it now goes directly to Gov. Jay Inslee to be signed into law. It passed unanimously in the Senate and 96-1 in the House.