RI athletic trainers will soon be trained and equipped with epi-pens

STATE HOUSE — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Walter S. Felag Jr. and Rep. Jacquelyn Baginski that requires athletic trainers to be trained in using, and be equipped with, epi-pens has been signed into law.

“With rates of severe and potentially life-threating allergies rising among our children, it is imperative that our school’s athletic trainers be prepared to deliver life-saving care if an allergic reaction were to take place during a sporting event. One bee sting or mislabeled food product could bring catastrophic results, and this bill will hopefully prevent tragedy from occurring on our schools’ playing fields,” said Senator Felag (D-Dist. 10, Warren, Bristol, Tiverton).

The bill (2025-S 0321A, 2025-H 5486A) requires certified athletic trainers on and after Sept. 1, 2025, to be trained in the administration of epinephrine auto-injectors (epi-pens) and will require such professionals to be equipped with the medication while performing professional activities.

“Epi-pens are critical tools to reverse deadly allergic reactions, and with severe allergies increasing in our children, school staff must know how to respond with epi-pens if an emergency takes place. This bill will save lives, it’s as simple as that,” said Representative Baginski (D-Dist. 17, Cranston).