(NASHVILLE) — This week, House Republicans passed legislation sponsored by Representative Bryan Terry (R-Murfreesboro) that authorizes school personnel to administer lifesaving medical treatment to Tennessee students suffering from adrenal insufficiency caused by conditions like Addison’s disease.
House Bill 121 permits any properly trained school employee to administer a lifesaving injection as a form of medical treatment to students who are suffering from adrenal insufficiency and are experiencing an adrenal crisis on campus.
Addison’s disease is a life-threatening illness that prevents a person’s body from creating hormones that help it respond to stress. An adrenal crisis can be triggered by an injury, surgery, infection, or even emotional stress. Death may occur without immediate treatment.
“When children experience a medical emergency like an adrenal crisis and need treatment, every second counts,” said Representative Terry. “The passage of this bill paves the way for quicker response times during emergencies by allowing a properly trained staff member to perform a heroic act that will save a life.”
One notable individual who suffered from Addison’s disease was President John F. Kennedy. The 35th President of the United States collapsed twice in public because of adrenal insufficiency: once at the end of a parade during an election campaign and once on a congressional visit to Britain.
The full text of House Bill 121 can be accessed by visiting the Tennessee General Assembly website at: http://www.capitol.tn.gov/Bills/110/Bill/HB0121.pdf
Bryan Terry serves as Chairman of the House Health Subcommittee. He is also a member of the House Health and House Civil Justice Committees. Terry lives in Murfreesboro and represents House District 48, which includes part of Rutherford County. He can be reached by email at: [email protected] or by calling (615) 741-2180.
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