Rhode Island Government
Asthma Legislation on the Table
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Schools would be encouraged to allow asthmatic schoolchildren to carry and administer their own medication under a bill now headed to the president for his signature. The Senate approved the bill Monday evening before it recessed for the election. It was sponsored by Rhode Island Congressman Patrick Kennedy, and a U-S representative from Florida.
The bill urges states to pass "right-to-carry" legislation and directs the secretary of Health and Human Services to give preference to states with such laws when awarding grants for asthma-related programs. In many states, students have to keep inhalers and other medication either with their teachers or at the nurse's office.
Kennedy has asthma himself. He says it's important asthma sufferers have ready access to their medication.
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