Big Government Blunders: Schools fear lawsuits by stocking medication

04/21/2014

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - Some New Mexico officials are concerned schools could be left vulnerable in the wake of a new law requiring they stockpile medicine to treat students who experience severe allergic reactions or asthma attacks.

The Albuquerque Journal reports that some school districts are hesitant to follow the new law because they can be sued if something goes wrong.

Gov. Susana Martinez signed Senate Bill 75 into law last month, saying it would save children's lives.

The law, which takes effect July 1, permits school nurses to administer the medication even to students who don't have a prescription.

But a clause in the bill shielding schools from civil lawsuits was removed.

Dick Minzner, an attorney who studied the law, says schools could be sued if medicine is incorrectly administered or stored.

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