Senator Peters Helps Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Promote Epinephrine Use, Save Lives
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Gary Peters (MI) and Mike Braun (IN) introduced bipartisan legislation that encourages states to train individuals to carry and administer Epinephrine, also known as “EpiPens,” to someone suffering a severe allergic reaction. This bipartisan legislation – coined Dillon’s Law – was inspired by Dillon Mueller, a young man who passed away in 2014 at the age of 18 after being stung by a bee and subsequently falling into a coma due to anaphylaxis. He was unable to receive Epinephrine in a timely manner, ultimately leading to his death. Dillon’s Law would encourage states to support and educate individuals on Epinephrine use by establishing a stronger preference for federal grants for states that institute this practice.
“Encouraging states to train, certify, and enable good Samaritans to act in time to save lives is commonsense policy,” said Senator Peters. “We know programs like this work in Michigan, so I was proud to help lead this bipartisan, bicameral bill that would implement these incentives nationwide, empowering more people to step in and help prevent heartbreaking loss.”
“Dillon’s Law is a piece of commonsense legislation that can prevent hundreds of tragic and avoidable deaths every year,” said Senator Braun. “Training people on how to provide lifesaving care and guaranteeing that good Samaritans are protected from the threat of civil litigation is vital. Legislation like this has worked in Indiana, and I believe it can work on a national level as well.”
Specifically, Dillon’s Law would:
- Create a grant preference under an existing federal grant program for states that allow trained individuals to carry and administer Epinephrine to an individual suffering from a severe allergic reaction.
- Provide a civil liability protection law for trained individuals to another person reasonably believed to be having an anaphylactic reaction.
This legislation is endorsed by the and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), the Elijah-Alavi Foundation, and the Dillon Mueller Memorial Fund.
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