Conroy Legislation Expands Access to EpiPens

VILLA PARK, Ill. – Legislation carried by state Rep. Deb Conroy, D-Villa Park, expanding the use of EpiPens in emergency situations passed the House on Tuesday.

“Last year, we passed legislation known as the Annie LeGere Law in honor of an Elmhurst teen who passed away due to complications from an allergic reaction. That legislation granted legal immunity to police officers who use EpiPens in emergency situations like Annie’s,” said Conroy. “Had that law been in place when Annie fell ill, she might still be with us today. As a parent, that’s a very difficult fact to face.”

Police who responded to the emergency call placed on behalf of thirteen year old Annie LeGere were not able to administer the necessary treatment because they were not authorized or equipped with epinephrine injectors. The Annie LeGere Law passed in 2016 provides that police officers who administer EpiPens in emergency situations are immune from legal liability. However, that law did not extend the same liability immunity to the doctors and nurses who prescribe the lifesaving drugs to the police departments. Conroy’s Senate Bill 2226 ensures that medical professionals that prescribe a standing prescription of epinephrine auto-injectors to police departments have civil and professional liability immunity. The legislation was supported by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and the Illinois Sheriff’s Association.

“This bill is a testament to Shelley LeGere’s work to ensure that no other parent has to go through what Shelley and her family has faced,” Conroy continued. “This bill knocks down barriers to access to lifesaving medication by granting immunity to the doctors and nurses who prescribe EpiPens to police departments. It has been an honor to work with Annie’s family, and I will be forever grateful for their work to turn their own personal tragedy into a positive change for other families.”