Food Allergy Legislative Win in Missouri

August 26, 2022 (McLean, VA) – Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) is proud to announce that SB710 was signed into law on June 30, 2022 in Missouri by Governor Mike Parson (R). This Senate Bill, sponsored by Doug Beck (D-District 1), modifies provisions to health care in the state of Missouri and specifically authorizes school-contracted agents trained by a nurse to administer an epinephrine auto syringe to any student who is having a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction (Section 167.630).

FARE was honored to support advocate, Yao Chen, who worked tirelessly on SB710, which includes a provision allowing school bus drivers and other school personnel, if they are trained by a nurse, to administer epi auto-injectors to any child needing the medicine. This expands the level of care accessible to the 70,000 Missouri children with life-threatening food allergies and helps protect the youngest students as well as the most economically vulnerable children who may not be able to afford epinephrine. The act also stipulates that trained, contracted agents shall be immune from civil liability in the administration of a prefilled auto syringe.

It is through work like Yao’s that FARE advocates employ their collective voice and personal stories to influence public policy that supports the food allergy community. From making sure allergens such as sesame are properly labeled, to helping kids with food allergies stay safe in school, to increasing the money spent on research to find treatments and cures, food allergy advocates are the individuals responsible for change. To find out more about advocacy efforts at FARE, please visit www.foodallergy.org.