Cystic Fibrosis Legislation
Would you approve of 2026 legislation allowing students with Cystic Fibrosis to carry their own enzymes?
Currently, there are two laws which permit the self carry of student medication for Asthma and Anaphylaxis
200:46 Possession and Self-Administration of Asthma Inhalers Permitted
A pupil may possess and use a metered dose inhaler or a dry powder inhaler to alleviate asthmatic symptoms, or before exercise to prevent the onset of asthmatic symptoms, if the following conditions are satisfied:
I. The pupil has the written approval of the pupil's physician and, if the pupil is a minor, the written approval of the parent or guardian.
200:42 Possession and Use of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors Permitted
A pupil with severe, potentially life-threatening allergies may possess and self-administer an epinephrine auto-injector if the following conditions are satisfied:
I. The pupil has the written approval of the pupil's physician and, if the pupil is a minor, the written approval of the parent or guardian. Legislation for the 2025 season is already in progress to add nasal epinephrine to this law.
RESULTS as of 3/09/2025
42 Nurses responded / 41 public schools / 1 charter school
Please indicate whether or not you approve of self-carry legislation for the following age groups.
| Age Group |
Yes |
No |
| Pre-K & K |
1 |
41 |
| 1-5 Elementary |
13 |
29 |
| 6-8 Middle |
38 |
4 |
| 9-12 High |
42 |
0 |
Comments
I delegate to staff member for my pre K student; I would also think middle school would be ok, (even though I put no) to self carry but also really helpful to get to see the student to check in; High school yes think would be fine with following protocol
My school just went through this. Essentially my district 504 coordinator made the call allowing my 4th grade student permission to carry, despite me not being able to find any legal resources supporting it.
I would start to consider it come 3rd grade, but not in K-2.
As with any med, it would need to agreed upon by all parties that the child is responsible enough to use it appropriately.
I strongly feel it depends on the individual situation for the students' maturity and capability to self administer correct amount of enzyme capsules with their food intake since the dose varies with amount of food consumed.
I would approve middle school and high school if parent and doctor sign that student is knowledgeable and responsible to carry (same as permission to carry inhaler/epipen)
It depends on the age of the student and the maturity and responsibility of the student.
I would consider this for certain students earlier depending on knowledge of condition and maturity level for the elementary level.
Of course with stipulations: student demonstrates responsibility, RN & PCP agreement, etc.
Same process for all meds currently in the building, self-carry once they are responsible and mature enough to self-administer. Possibly as soon as 5th grade.
I answered no for Grades 1-5, but I think this should depend on the student. A 4th or 5th grader may be able to safely self-carry their enzymes, but it depends on the student. Additionally, some middle schools include grade 5.
For elementary it would depend on the students maturity - some could absolutely carry their enzymes
I'm conflicted in the elementary age- A first grader probably not but a fifth grader probably yes. At any age it depends on the maturity of the child but I think there is greater variation at the elementary level. But this is a condition the child will have their whole life and they should be encouraged to be independent.
Although I voted yes for 1-5, I would hold off until 3rd grade before self-carrying.
As long as a healthcare provider trains them and signs off that the student is fully trained and capable of managing this independently.
We permit middle to carry, but if RN, parent and Dr thought it appropriate and the child responsible, I would allow an Elementary student to carry. I think it important the child be as independent as appropriate.
This would definitely be a case by case bases with the input of all, the parent, student, teacher, and doctor and obviously the school nurse to decide whether or not the student is responsible enough but I believe it should be allowed and then the team can make the final decision.
I think students in Grades 1-5 should have the option of carrying their enzymes. Some students in early elementary may be mature enough to handle the responsibility and some may not - that would be at the discretion of the provider, parent and school nurse.