How A Bill Becomes A Law

In the past two years there has been incredible momentum and success in legislative advocacy. Across North America there have been laws, recommendations and ministerial orders passed.

In BC we had a Ministerial Order passed in 2007 which requires school districts to develop anaphylaxis policies in order to protect allergic children. At the end of March 2008 Washington became the most recent state to pass actual law for the same.

FAAN's website indicates that there are now 17 states that have some form of government legislation, guidelines or policy requiring school districts to develop strategies that help reduce the risk for students with food allergy and anaphylaxis. In addition the vast majority of states now have policy governing students carrying prescribed epinephrine at school.

In Canada 90% of public schools have either standard policy, a policy advisory or a ministerial order (per Anaphylaxis Canada).

These achievements are a direct result of the effort and dedication of a large number of people in our community. Of course it also has required the support of key advocates and government sponsors. Thanks to everybody that has helped make such a tremendous difference.