Ohio expands school access to allergy emergency treatments

What the law changes

Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill 462 in September 2026, allowing Ohio schools and camps to use any FDA-approved epinephrine device to respond to severe allergic reactions. State law previously focused on epinephrine auto-injectors such as EpiPens.

The expanded rules include nasal-spray epinephrine and other FDA-approved ways to deliver the medication. They apply to public and private schools, charter schools, STEM schools and camps.

Students who have a prescription and parental permission may carry and use an approved epinephrine device at school and during school-sponsored events. Schools and camps may also keep the products available for emergencies involving students, employees or visitors.

The law extends existing legal protections for schools, camps and health care providers to the newly covered devices. It does not require them to rely on one brand or one method of administering epinephrine.

Why epinephrine matters

Epinephrine, also called adrenaline, is used to treat anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. The medication can reduce swelling, relax muscles in the airway and help a person breathe during an allergy emergency.

By covering every FDA-approved epinephrine device, the law gives families and institutions options beyond auto-injectors when preparing for those emergencies.

Legislative action

The Ohio House and Senate approved HB 462 unanimously before sending it to DeWine. Rep. Tracy Richardson, a Marysville Republican who sponsored the bill, said a local nurse and parent brought the need for the change to her attention. The measure became law after DeWine signed it.