Shaffer: Bipartisan Team Introducing Legislation to Update the Use of Epinephrine

April 3, 2025

HARRISBURG – Rep. Jeremy Shaffer (R-Allegheny) is part of a bipartisan group of lawmakers introducing a pair of bills that would ensure all Food and Drug Administration-approved formulations of epinephrine – used to treat serious allergic reactions and anaphylaxis – can be administered in Pennsylvania schools and other settings as currently recognized in state law. 

Epinephrine, commonly known by its brand name, EpiPen, has long been administered using needles. In August 2024, the Food and Drug Administration approved a nasal spray form of epinephrine. As it stands, state law only allows schools and other settings to use the needle form of epinephrine.

"This is a commonsense update to allow the latest medical devices to be utilized to benefit our children,” Shaffer said. “This update avoids the need to inject ephinephrine with a needle, of which many kids can be afraid.”

Shaffer worked on the bills with Rep. Arvind Venkat (D-Allegheny), who is an emergency physician.

“A quick and decisive response often means the difference between life and death for patients suffering from an allergic reaction, and epinephrine is the definitive treatment for this serious or even life-threatening condition,” Venkat said. “By making a simple change in statutory terminology, other FDA-approved formulations of epinephrine will be recognized under Pennsylvania law and ensure that we can rapidly treat serious allergic reactions or anaphylaxis in schools and other settings across the Commonwealth.” 

“I’m always glad to work in a bipartisan way with my colleagues in the House,” Shaffer added. “When we work together, we make changes that improve Pennsylvania.” 

House Bills 1043 and 1044 have been referred to the House Health Committee.



Representative Jeremy Shaffer
28th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andrew Forgotch
717.772.9905
aforgotch@pahousegop.com
RepShafferPA.com / Facebook.com/RepShaffer